Competency : Finds appropriate theory in the study, defines terms used in the study and list research hypothesis (if appropriate), and presents written document on the Introduction part of the research paper.
What is Conceptual Framework?
A concept is an abstract idea. It characterizes what it wants to represent, to detail, or to define. Concepts are a product of our human schema, of our human experiences that we tent to generalize. These concepts can be real life or real-world construct of our human intellect.
The framework that allows us to build our idea is a series of connections that we make to associate and to see the clearer picture of our concept.
As used in research, a conceptual framework creates a visual representation of the study. It exposes how variables can be related or can be affecting one another. This framework can help the researcher to apply the appropriate method of data gathering.
In the previous activity, you and your classmates learned about variables. The graphical figures represent as your conceptual framework. For every conceptual framework that you make, ensure that you discuss the essence of its flow after the diagram. This will help the reader to fully understand the flow of your study.
A model is a symbolic representation that helps the researcher to express abstract concepts and relationships easily, using minimal words. Furthermore, it can be represented schematically or mathematically:
· Schematic model – conveys concepts and propositions through th use of boxes, arrow or other symbols.
· Mathematical or statistical mode – conveys concepts and propositions through the use of letters, number, and mathematical symbols.
The conceptual framework is like a blueprint. It is a map towards the threshold of your study. It is the budget plan of actions and of “necessaries” in dealing with your study. So how will you start with your conceptual framework?
· Consider the variables
· Align the conceptual framework with the title.
Remember that your ultimate goal at the end of the study is to achieve your title. Your conceptual framework must be supporting your title and visually representing your title through connections and relations.
A conceptual framework provides the graphical view as to the flow of the study; therefore, it must be consistent with the title. The problem must be rooted on the framework. Many researchers are so engaged in creating a powerful framework to their title and their objectives. The most important words, aside from including them in the discussion of the framework, it should be visually and graphically presented in your conceptual framework.
What is Theoretical Framework?
A theory is a statement of how facts are related. It is a system of ideas intended to explain a specific phenomenon. Given this, it becomes the vases of the conduct of research from literature review to hypothesis writing and to data treatment and analysis. Your theory, therefore, becomes your primary guide in the whole research process.
The theory provides a point of focus for attacking the unknown in a specific area. If a relationship is found between two or more variables, a theory should be formulated to explain why the relationship exists. Hence, theories are purposely created and formulate, never discovered; they can be tested, but never proven. Thus, theoretical framework is derived from specific concepts and propositions that are induced or deduced.
The function of theory in research is to identify the starting point of the research problem and to establish the vision to which the problem is directed. It determines and defines the focus and goal of the research problem.
Key Terms to Understanding
Conceptualization – the process of forming basic ideas, designs, plans or strategies based on given facts, situations, and examples.
Propositions – a statement or assertion from theories or generalizations based on empirical data.