Formulating Conceptual and Research Frameworks from Scientific Research

"Not every study is based on a theory or conceptual model, but every study has a framework."

(Polit & Hungler, 1999)

A framework can also assist researchers in determining the best techniques and methodologies for their research endeavours. In technical terms, a research framework outlines the study's structure and helps the researcher develop appropriate research questions. It is a sketch or paradigm that depicts the issue under investigation, the variables and background, and how they relate to or affect one another. The research framework is divided into two types: conceptual and theoretical.

A conceptual framework is a researcher's idea of approaching the research topic. This is evident in the theoretical framework of a much larger resolution scale. It describes your study's significant variables and how they are related. It also describes the entire study's input, procedure, and result. It will educate your readers about the findings of your investigation. As a result, before you begin collecting data, you should make a conceptual framework by following the research flow and stages below.

A research framework provides a structured approach to guide the design and implementation of a study. It is a blueprint that integrates theoretical underpinnings, research objectives, and data collection methods to ensure coherence and validity (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). By articulating key variables, relationships, and constructs, a well-defined framework ensures the research remains focused and systematically addresses the research questions (Yin, 2018).

Research frameworks and conceptual frameworks serve distinct purposes in scholarly work. A research framework is rooted in established theories and provides a structured lens for analysing a study's problem, guiding hypotheses and methodology (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). In contrast, a conceptual framework is more fluid, often derived from the researcher’s literature synthesis, experiences, and observations, and maps out potential relationships and constructs specific to the study (Adom, Hussein, & Agyem, 2018).

A. Research Flow and Stages Solutions

If the previous stages yield positive outcomes, an outstanding conceptual framework can be completed by reporting it through thesis writing and oral defence as the last stages. Conversely, stages 3 to 8 must be rechecked for accuracy and objectivity. Below are the research flow and respective stages.

1. Research area conceptualisation

   1. Establish the broad area of study interest.

   2. Review the literature.

   3. Ask fundamental questions.

      1. Grasp what research has previously been done on this topic.

      2. Contribute to it.

2. Research purpose and objectives identification

   1. Identify the research purpose and objectives.

3. Problem definition

   1. Define the problem statement.

4. Research design

   1. Ensure your thesis contributes to and fills a knowledge gap.

5. Conceptual framework construction

   1. Introduce and clarify the topic.

   2. Decide on all variables and their relationships.

   3. Construct the research flow.

   4. Represent the research flow with the variables in a diagram.

6. Literature review

   1. Conduct a comprehensive or systematic literature review.

   2. Analyse the link between the particular factors described in the literature.

7. Theoretical framework formulation

   1. Identify variables.

   2. Characterise and explain relationships.

   3. Propose probable relationships between rising variables.

   4. Formulate a theoretical framework.

      1. Map out or depict the theoretical strands in some diagrammatic format.

8. Hypothesis formation

   1. Construct the hypotheses.

9. Data collection, analyses, and interpretation

   1. Conduct deductively by referring back to the objectives, research questions or hypotheses.

      1. Are research objectives achieved?

      2. Are research questions answered? or

      3. Are hypotheses substantiated?

         1. Yes (Continue to the next stage.)

         2. No (Reconsider stages 3 to 8)

   2. Analyse results to refine and consolidate new and uncertain variables into observable constructs relevant to the research topic.

10. Thesis writing

11. Oral defence

B. Framework Elements

Understanding the meaning and various types of variables is critical, as a conceptual framework provides the foundation for further research. A sound framework identifies significant variables relevant to the problem statement and objectively describes the relationships among them. This includes highlighting the links between independent, dependent, moderating, and mediating variables, if appropriate.

Elaborating on a framework's variables involves explaining why or how certain interactions are anticipated, as well as the types and directions of correlations among the variables of interest. A schematic illustration of the conceptual model within the framework also helps the reader visualise these linkages. Any framework should include the following five fundamental elements:

1. Identification of Key Variables: Clearly define and distinguish between independent, dependent, moderating, and mediating variables.

2. Description of Relationships: Objectively outline how these variables interact, specifying the type (e.g., causal or correlational) and direction (e.g., positive or negative) of these interactions.

3. Conceptual Rationale: Provide theoretical or empirical justifications for the anticipated interactions among variables (University of Phoenix, 2024).

4. Visual Representation: Include a diagrammatic or schematic model to help readers visually understand the relationships between variables and concepts (Researcher.Life, 2024).

5. Alignment with Research Objectives: Ensure the framework aligns with the research problem and objectives, making all variables contextually relevant.

C. Framework Variables

Variables are any elements that can have different or varying values. Variables are classified into two types: quantitative and qualitative. Exact (discrete) or changing (continuous) values can be assigned to quantitative variables. Exam results, people's weight, and rope length are all examples of quantitative variables. Gender, ethnicity, and marital status are examples of qualitative variables. Variables are further classified as dependent, independent, moderating, or mediating.

a. Dependent/Criterion Variable

The dependent variable is the central element that a researcher carefully investigates in a study. It represents the outcome or effects the researcher aims to understand, describe, and analyse. By examining this variable, the researcher seeks to uncover patterns of variability, identify the factors that influence it, and develop predictions about its behaviour in different contexts. Essentially, the dependent variable is a crucial focal point in the research, guiding the overall exploration and contributing to a deeper understanding of the studied phenomena. Analysing the dependent variable (i.e., which variables influence it) can help identify answers to the problem.

1. For example, a company manager may be interested in the level of job satisfaction of his company's employees.

2. Because employee satisfaction can vary from very dissatisfied to very satisfied, job satisfaction is the main factor of interest to the manager; thus, it is the dependent variable.

b. Independent/Predictor Variable

An independent variable influences the dependent variable in either a positive or a negative way. The dependent variable is also present when the independent variable is present. With a unit increase in the independent variable, there is also an increase in the dependent variable. In other words, the variance depends on the independent variable that accounts for the variation in the dependent variable. The relationship between the independent (X) and dependent (Y) variables is illustrated in a schematic diagram as follows:

Why or how does X influence Y? This elucidates why or how an independent variable influences a dependent variable. The total effect is the relationship between X and Y, the bivariate regression or Pearson correlation between X and Y. For example, management may assume that a pleasant attitude toward work and adequate training can boost workers' productivity. The dependent variable in this scenario is production level, whereas the independent variables are attitude and training. A pleasant attitude toward work and adequate training can undoubtedly impact workers' productivity.

c. Moderating Variable

A moderating variable has a substantial conditional effect on the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. In other words, including a third variable (the moderating variable) alters the initial connection between the independent and dependent variables. The relationship between the dependent (Y), independent (X) and moderating (Z) variables is illustrated in a schematic diagram as follows:

The moderator, Z, alters the connection between X and Y, affecting the intensity and direction of their relationship. Thus, the influence of X on Y might vary depending on Z. The moderator effect is represented by the interaction term, which may be calculated by multiplying the independent variable by the moderator (X*Z). Use hierarchical multiple regression analysis to enter the two independent variables (X and Z) in Step 1, the interaction term in Step 2, and Y as the dependent variable.

d. Mediating Variable

A mediator links the independent and dependent variables. The indirect effect occurs when the independent variable affects a mediator, which in turn affects the dependent variable. The direct impact is the connection between the independent and dependent variables in the presence of a mediator. The mediator effect happens when there is a statistically significant indirect impact, and the direct effect is less than the overall effect.

The analysis primarily investigates the bivariate correlations between variable X and variable Z, and between variable Z and variable Y. A multiple regression analysis is utilised to assess the direct and indirect effects of these relationships. In this model, variables X and Z are treated as independent, while Y is the dependent variable.

This approach allows us to quantify how changes in X and Z influence Y, individually and in combination. Additionally, it is crucial to explain how these variables function as mediators in the relationship under study. By doing so, we can better understand the mechanisms by which X and Z affect Y, highlighting the complex interplay among these variables and their significance in the overall analysis.

A mediator is a plausible explanation, whereas a moderator influences the extent of the effect of X on Y. In theory, the mediator is caused by the independent variable; conversely, no directional link is assumed between the independent variable and a moderator. Mediation analyses explain relationships, while moderation analyses assess how variables affect the strength and direction of a relationship.

References

• Adom, D., Hussein, E. K., & Agyem, J. A. (2018). Theoretical and conceptual framework: Mandatory ingredients of a quality research. International Journal of Scientific Research, 7(1), 438–441.

• Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). Sage Publications.

• Grant, C., & Osanloo, A. (2014). Understanding, selecting, and integrating a theoretical framework in dissertation research: Creating the blueprint for your "house." Administrative Issues Journal, 4(2), 12–26. https://doi.org/10.5929/2014.4.2.9

• Researcher.Life. (2024, July 10). What is a conceptual framework and how to make it. Researcher.Life. https://theresearcherlife.com/what-is-a-conceptual-framework-and-how-to-make-it/

• University of Phoenix. (2024, August 15). Understanding conceptual and theoretical frameworks in research. University of Phoenix. https://www.phoenix.edu/research/news/2024/understanding-conceptual-and-theoretical-frameworks-in-research.html

• Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). Sage Publications.

Let's Recall...

1. Why is it important to understand the difference between conceptual and theoretical frameworks in research?

2. What role do moderating and mediating variables play in improving the understanding of research findings?

3. How does a conceptual framework help create hypotheses and ensure a clear and valid research process?

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