Conceptual frameworks

definitionA conceptual framework is a written or visual presentation that: explains either graphically, or in narrative form, the main things to be studied – the key factors, concepts or variables – and the presumed relationship among them. (Miles and Huberman, 1994, P18)

A conceptual framework is used in research to outline possible courses of action or to present a preferred approach to an idea or thought. (Wikipedia)

A conceptual framework is a theoretical structure of assumptions, principles, and rules that holds together the ideas comprising a broad concept. (Business Dictionary)

Difference b/w theoretical and conceptual framework?

The theoretical framework provides a generalrepresentation of relationships between things in agiven phenomenon.

The conceptual framework, embodies the specificdirection by which the research will be (or has been)undertaken.

• Stimulus elicits response. • New teaching method improves students’

academic performance.The theoretical framework differs from the conceptual framework in terms of scope and describes a broader relationship between things. When stimulus is applied, response is expected. The conceptual framework is much more specific in defining this relationship. It specifies the different elements that will have to be explored in the investigation.

Where does conceptual framework fit?

A conceptual framework is used in research to outline possible courses of action.... (Wikipedia)

Could be likened to planning a shopping trip - which gaps to fill?- which shops to visit?- which items to buy?- how to maintain focus?

Where does the conceptual framework fit in quantitative research? (after R. Vaughan, Bournemouth University)

• Research problem:

• Paradigm:

• Aims and objectives:

• Literature review:

• Conceptual framework:

• Research questions:• Data collection and analysis:• Interpretation of the results:• Evaluation of the research:

The issue of theoretical or practical interest.

The philosophical assumptions about the nature of the world and how we understand it - positivism.What we want to know and how the answer may be built up.A critical and evaluative review of the thoughts and experiences of others.Provides the structure/content for the whole study based on literature and personal experienceSpecific questions that require answers.Methodology, methods and analysis.Making sense of the results.Revisit conceptual framework.

Where does the conceptual framework fit in qualitative research? (after R. Vaughan, Bournemouth University)

• Research problem:

• Paradigm:

• Aims and objectives:

• Literature review:

• Research questions:• Data collection and analysis:• Interpretation of the results:

• Evaluation of the research:

The issue of theoretical or practical interest.

The philosophical assumptions about the nature of the world and how we understand it – e.g. interpretivism.What we want to know and how the answer may be built up.A critical and evaluative review of the thoughts and experiences of others.Specific questions that require answers.Methodology, methods and analysis.Conceptual framework develops as participants’ views and issues are gathered and analysed.

Revisit conceptual framework.

Qualitative research - the position of the conceptual framework

Normally, qualitative work is described as starting from an inductive position. It tries to build up theory. The conceptual framework is emergent. Existing literature/theories might even mislead.

However

Researchers need to have some idea of what will feature in the study, a tentative rudimentary conceptual framework. Even though it will change, its important to begin to work out what you are looking for. This is particularly true for inexperienced and/or time constrained researchers.

What goes into a conceptual framework?

Experiential knowledge of student and supervisor:

artistic and design knowledge

technical knowledge

research background

personal experience

data

Literature review:

prior ‘related’ theory – concepts and relationships that are used to represent the world, what is happening and why.

prior ‘related’ research – how people have tackled ‘similar’ problems and what they have learned.

other theory and research - approaches, lines of investigation and theory that are not obviously relevant/previously used.

Developing a conceptual framework

Borrow elements and fit them into a structure

E.g.

Identify key words used in the area of your study.

Draw out the main points from something e.g. your literature review.

Take a concept, idea or term and brainstorm all the other things thatmight be related to it. Select those that seem most relevant.

It will take time and a number of ‘goes’. The focus is both on the content and the inter-relationships.

Different kinds of framework

How to/process -related

Sets out the stages through which an actionmoves from initiation to conclusion. The‘how’ question

Content-relatedSets out the elements, and possibly therelationship (with relative strengths)between them. The ‘why?’ question.

Graphic forms

Flow charts

Tree diagrams

Shape based diagrams – triangles, concentriccircles, overlapping circles

Mind maps

Spider diagrams

http://www.umich.edu/~ed626/Dick_Carey/dc.htmlDescribing the phases of an iterative process

Evolutionary tree, Alfred Barr.

From:http://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0000yO

Towards a new conceptual framework for digital musical instruments http://hapticity.net/publications/towards-a-new-conceptual-framework-for-digital-musical-instruments/

Mind map – John Lathamhttp://www.johnlatham.info/resources/Research-Design.pdf

Why we have seasons

Why are conceptual frameworks useful?

The ability to move beyond descriptions of ‘what’ to explanations of ‘why’ and ‘how’.

A means of setting out an explanation set that might be used to define and make sense of the data that flow from the research question.

An filtering tool for selecting appropriate research questions and related data collection methods.

A reference point/structure for the discussion of the literature, methodology and results.

The boundaries of the work.

What are the limitations of a conceptual framework?

Influenced by the experience and knowledge of the individual – initialbias.

Once developed will influence the researcher’s thinking and may result insome things being given prominence and others being ignored – ongoingbias.

Solution: revisit conceptual framework, particularly at the end when evaluating your work.