Conceptual Frameworks

Summary

This lecture focuses on the concept of conceptual frameworks in research. It explains what a conceptual framework is, its significance in shaping research, and how to construct one. Conceptual frameworks provide a logical representation of the research's thinking, methodology, and implementation. The lecturer emphasizes the importance of identifying key study variables, relationships, and how they help build a researcher's worldview. The framework aids in selecting the appropriate research strategy, data collection, and analysis methods. Examples and tips for creating effective frameworks using diagrams and existing theories are also discussed.

Takeaways

• 📚 A conceptual framework is a complete logical representation of the thinking structure, methodology, and implementation of a research study.
• 🔍 It is crucial for researchers to use it as a tool to construct their worldview and approach to the research topic.
• 📊 The framework can be presented graphically or narratively, with key variables and their relationships clearly shown.
• 🧠 It merges related concepts to provide a detailed understanding of the research problem and potential solutions.
• 📝 The framework highlights the rationale for the research topic, researcher's assumptions, and their agreement or disagreement with existing literature.
• 🖼️ Diagrams are generally the best way to construct a conceptual framework, showing the relationships between variables with arrows.
• 🔍 Literature review is a critical step in identifying important variables and established relationships for the framework.
• 🎯 The problem statement should guide the construction of the framework, addressing the knowledge gap in the research area.
• 📈 Examples of frameworks include the social determinants framework, sequential framework, and overlapping domains framework.
• 📑 A good conceptual framework must be expressible in writing to be clearly understood, not just graphically complex.
• 📘 The difference between a theoretical framework and a conceptual framework is that the former is based on existing theories, while the latter is the researcher's specific approach to exploring the research problem.

Q & A

What is a conceptual framework in research?

A conceptual framework is a complete logical representation and association of all aspects of the underlying thinking, structure, methodology, and implementation of a research study. It helps in conceptualizing a research study by presenting an integrated view of the problem being studied.

Why is a conceptual framework important in research?

A conceptual framework is important because it helps researchers construct their own worldview, approach the topic of the study, and merges related concepts to give a detailed understanding of the research problem. It also highlights the rationale for the research, stipulates the researcher’s assumptions, and clarifies the conceptual grounds for the research process.

How can a conceptual framework be presented?

A conceptual framework can be presented either in graphical form or in narrative form. Both formats should clearly show the key study variables and the relationships between these variables.

What are the steps to construct a conceptual framework?

The steps include choosing a research topic, conducting a literature review to identify variables, identifying relationships between the variables from the literature, and then constructing the conceptual framework using this information.

How can diagrams help in constructing a conceptual framework?

Diagrams can clearly define the variables of the research topic and the relationships between these variables. Using arrows, researchers can show how variables interact, aiding in understanding and visualizing the structure of the conceptual framework.

What is the difference between a conceptual framework and a theoretical framework?

A theoretical framework is constructed from existing, tested, and validated theories, whereas a conceptual framework is the researcher's understanding of how the research problem will be explored. The conceptual framework defines the specific relationships between variables in the study and guides the research process.

What should a researcher consider when preparing a conceptual framework?

A researcher should choose a topic within their field of specialization, conduct a comprehensive review of reliable literature, identify important variables, and understand the relationships between these variables from the literature before constructing the conceptual framework.

How does a conceptual framework assist in defining research variables?

A conceptual framework helps researchers decide which variables are relevant to the study, make decisions about how to define variables during data analysis, and interpret model results. It guides the researcher in understanding the relationships between variables.

What are some general types of conceptual frameworks?

Some general types of conceptual frameworks include the social determinants framework, the sequential framework, and the overlapping domains framework. Each type serves different purposes, such as explaining relationships, testing hypotheses, or analyzing interaction between variables.

What role does a problem statement play in constructing a conceptual framework?

The problem statement serves as a reference in constructing the conceptual framework. It helps the researcher focus on the knowledge gap and address specific research questions, guiding the design and relationship mapping of variables within the framework.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Conceptual Frameworks

In this opening paragraph, the speaker introduces the concept of a conceptual framework, defining it as a logical representation that outlines the methodology and structure of a research study. Conceptual frameworks can be visual or narrative and illustrate key study variables and their relationships. The framework is essential for researchers to form their worldview, structure their study, and relate it to existing theories. It also highlights assumptions and agreements or disagreements with existing literature. The paragraph underscores the importance of conceptual frameworks as a plan for the entire research study.

05:00

🛠 Constructing a Conceptual Framework

This section explains how to construct a conceptual framework using diagrams and writing. Diagrams help define the relationships between variables, which can be adapted or modified from existing frameworks. A good conceptual framework should not only present complex ideas visually but also be explained clearly in writing. The paragraph advises researchers to start by choosing a research topic, conduct a comprehensive literature review, and identify key variables. The framework should also address knowledge gaps, showing the relationships between variables and establishing areas for further exploration.

10:02

🔍 Example of a Conceptual Framework in Research

The speaker discusses an example of constructing a conceptual framework. It involves first defining the research question, outlining relevant variables, and visualizing their relationships in a diagram. The framework helps in making decisions on how to define variables and interpret model results. While there is no set format, frameworks can range from general explanatory models to statistical models. The example highlights different types of frameworks: social determinants, sequential, and overlapping domains, each suited for different research needs and offering a roadmap for analysis and understanding of complex relationships in a study.

🔄 Sequential and Overlapping Domains Frameworks

In this paragraph, two frameworks are explained: the sequential framework and the overlapping domains framework. The sequential framework shows causal pathways between an exposure and an outcome, often used to test hypotheses. The overlapping domains framework, on the other hand, shows how multiple factors must occur together for an outcome to happen. It is useful when testing interaction hypotheses or when variables don't follow a strict hierarchy. The speaker provides examples, such as a study on health status and socioeconomic status, to demonstrate the practical applications of these frameworks.

🧠 Difference Between Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks

The distinction between conceptual and theoretical frameworks is clarified. The theoretical framework is based on established, validated theories, while the conceptual framework represents the researcher’s understanding and approach to the research problem. The conceptual framework is constructed from concepts specific to the study, making it flexible for application. It is emphasized that the conceptual framework is about identifying variables, determining relationships, and guiding the research strategy, making it a valuable tool for selecting research methods and data collection strategies.

✅ Conclusion and Next Steps

In the conclusion, the speaker recaps the importance of a conceptual framework as a logical structure for identifying variables and constructing a research approach. It aids in explaining the research question and provides a pathway for data collection and analysis. The framework serves as a filter for choosing appropriate research strategies. The speaker also offers references for further reading and invites viewers to the next lecture. The takeaway message is that once key variables and relationships are identified, the entire research process becomes easier to navigate.

Keywords

💡Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework is a comprehensive logical representation that integrates all aspects of a research study, including thinking structures, methodologies, and implementation. It helps in understanding a problem by defining key variables and their relationships, often represented visually or narratively. In the video, it is described as the core structure guiding a researcher’s approach to a topic.

💡Variables

Variables are key components within a conceptual framework that represent different factors in a research study. They can be dependent or independent and are essential for showing relationships within a study. The video highlights the importance of identifying these variables from literature and illustrating their connections using diagrams.

💡Literature Review

A literature review is a systematic examination of existing research related to a particular topic. It helps to identify what has already been studied and where gaps in knowledge exist. In the video, the literature review is emphasized as a crucial step before constructing a conceptual framework, ensuring that researchers use reliable, peer-reviewed sources.

💡Diagram

Diagrams in research represent the visual form of a conceptual framework, outlining relationships between variables and other elements of a study. They aid in clearly defining these relationships and making complex ideas easier to understand. The video recommends using diagrams to present conceptual frameworks, with arrows showing connections between variables.

💡Independent Variable

An independent variable is a factor that influences or causes changes in other variables, typically the dependent variable. It is an integral part of forming hypotheses and establishing relationships in a conceptual framework. The video discusses how these variables are identified from literature and used in constructing a conceptual model.

💡Dependent Variable

A dependent variable is the outcome or effect that researchers study in relation to independent variables. It is what is being measured or influenced in the research. In the video, the importance of understanding the relationship between dependent and independent variables is a key aspect of constructing a conceptual framework.

💡Research Question

A research question defines the focus of the study and guides the formulation of the conceptual framework. It helps in determining which variables are relevant and how they should be explored. The video emphasizes that a clear research question is the starting point for building the conceptual framework and identifying gaps in knowledge.

💡Theoretical Framework

A theoretical framework is derived from existing theories and helps structure the research approach based on validated concepts. It differs from a conceptual framework, which is constructed based on the researcher’s interpretation of the study’s variables and relationships. The video contrasts both frameworks, explaining how they guide different parts of the research.

💡Methodology

Methodology refers to the systematic procedures used to collect and analyze data in a research study. In the context of a conceptual framework, methodology is integrated to support the logic and structure of the research. The video explains how constructing a conceptual framework involves methodological planning to explore relationships between variables.

💡Assumptions

Assumptions in research are beliefs or conditions accepted without proof, serving as a basis for the study’s conceptual framework. They help set the scope and focus of the research, such as defining how variables are expected to relate. The video explains that assumptions must be stated clearly within the conceptual framework to ensure transparency in research.

Highlights

Introduction to conceptual frameworks, defining their purpose and significance in research.

Explanation of conceptual frameworks as complete logic representations of all aspects of research.

Conceptual frameworks can be presented in graphical or narrative form, showing key study variables and relationships.

Importance of conceptual frameworks: they allow researchers to construct their worldview and approach to the study.

A conceptual framework merges related concepts to provide a detailed understanding of the research problem.

The conceptual framework emphasizes the researcher’s assumptions, agreements, or disagreements with literature.

Steps to construct a conceptual framework include identifying key variables and relationships from literature.

A conceptual framework must be visually clear or expressed in writing for ease of understanding.

Conducting a literature review is essential for identifying important variables and relationships.

The framework aids in highlighting gaps in existing knowledge and how the research aims to address them.

Examples of conceptual frameworks include social determinants, sequential frameworks, and overlapping domains frameworks.

The difference between a theoretical framework and a conceptual framework is clarified.

A theoretical framework is derived from tested theories, while a conceptual framework is based on the researcher's interpretation of how the problem will be explored.

Conceptual frameworks act as filtering tools for selecting research strategies, data collection, and analysis methods.

Summarized the role of a conceptual framework in guiding research, from identifying variables to forming research strategies.

Transcripts

hi everyone and welcome to the lecture

on conceptual frameworks we will be

looking at what are conceptual

frameworks what is the importance of a

conceptual framework in research and how

to construct a conceptual framework so

what is a conceptual framework it is a

complete logic representation and

Association of all aspects of underlying

thinking structure methodology and

implementation of your entire research

study it can be considered as a

conceptualization of a research study

representing an integrated way of

looking at a problem that you are

studying and it can be presented either

in a graphical or a narrative form and

it's very important that you show the

key study variables and the pros

relationships between these variables so

why is it important it's important

because researchers can use it as a tool

to identify to construct their own

worldview and to approach the topic of

the study so it merges related concepts

to give a detailed understanding of the

research problem and how the solution

can be asserted the conceptual framework

also highlights the rationale for

research topic it stipulates the

assumptions of the researcher it

emphasizes the agreement or disagreement

with the literature and States the

conceptual grounds for the research

process so in to make it very simple it

is a a plan for your entire study right

I intend to incorporate the existing

theory are you intend to hold on these

critical principles and how you will

form your own world how you will

construct your own worldview in order to

approach the topic and to understand

I've also included in your references

the paper by Grant and Assam blue which

explains the importance of conceptual

framework in grave detail okay so how

would you construct this conceptual

framework well the use of diagrams is

generally the best and it can aid in K

clearly defining the variables of the

research topic the relationship between

the variables are then shown by the use

of different arrows the existing

frameworks may be adopted or it may be

modified to fit the context of the plant

research and the nature of the research

question so you can take an existing

framework and see how is my frame are

going to be different from bagged and

modified and a good conceptual framework

must also be expressed in writing for it

to be clearly understood there's no

point in having a very complex diagram

but you can't explain it in a few

sentences so here are a few points that

you can consider if you need to prepare

a conceptual framework so firstly you

need to choose a topic and make a

decision on a research topic and ensure

that the topic is within your field of

research specialization because then you

are able to explore more of the details

around the topic you they need to

conduct a review of the literature and a

comprehensive review of the relevant and

current research should be conducted or

that entire research theme and this will

ensure that information is obtained from

reliable literature sources including

peer-reviewed and also well-known

scientific journals so you will then

look at what are the important variables

and you would extract those and you

would identify specific variables are

described in the literature and

established relationships

you would then scrutinize the literature

to identify variables and they can be in

the summary section methodology

discussion section so basically looking

where these variables on if any

relationships have been identified and

extract that information and then lastly

we generate your conceptual framework so

you would construct your conceptual

framework using the variables you've

identified the problem statement should

serve as a reference in constructing the

conceptual framework and your research

should address the gap knowledge for the

knowledge gap problem so in short you

had you've identified which are the

variables that you want to establish a

relationship with then I have one that

you want to investigate further you

identify what's already been established

and what is lacking you gather as much

information as you can about the

relationship between these two variables

from all sources

preferably established sources academic

sources once you have the sea with then

construct your own framework and say

okay this is how I see the independent

and dependent variables are related this

is the information that I can gather and

this is how the influence but one

another however is a gap in

understanding on between certain

variables and that is what you would

like to explore and that is how the

construction of your entire conceptual

framework so let us look at an example

now by the process of constructing a

conceptual framework

[Music]

after defining your research question it

is important to outline a conceptual

framework a conceptual framework

explains the constructs to be studied

either visually or in words in their

relationships we develop a conceptual

framework to one decide which variables

are relevant to the study to make

decisions about how to define variables

during data analysis in three interpret

model results a conceptual framework is

based on a literature review and it may

be included as a figure in the published

manuscript particularly in a social

science journal there is no correct

format for a conceptual framework if you

drew a picture of your statistical model

this would be a conceptual framework

because it visualizes the variables and

how they are related using this approach

a general explanatory model would

include one outcome and multiple

hypothesized associated factors a

hypothesis test question would have one

predictor or Cove area of interest and

one outcome and several additional

covariates to be tested for confounding

generally however a conceptual framework

is something broader than a statistical

model it is a diagram that summarizes

major relevant social theories that have

been described and evaluated in the peer

review literature I provide three

general frameworks to get you started as

I mentioned in the analysis workflow

video I tend to start by documenting my

own assumptions and knowledge about the

research question then update the layout

and variables in the conceptual

framework based on a systematic

literature review the social

determinants framework shows nested

circles small internal circles relate to

factors that are close to the individual

such as biological characteristics large

circles represent general factors in

society that influence the individual

sometimes indirectly such as access to

the Internet or living conditions of

poverty a social determinants framework

is well suited for most general

explanatory models for example which

factors are associated with the outcome

why these authors use the social

determinants for

work also called an ecological framework

to study intimate partner violence

against women in urban Tanzania factors

related to individual women are in the

center visualized in dark grey factors

related to a woman's relationship are

shown in the larger tan circles and

factors related to her community are in

the largest white circle the sequential

framework demonstrates causal pathways

hypothesized and measured between an

exposure and an outcome it is tempting

to add lots of boxes and arrows to a

sequential diagram though too much

information can make the core ideas and

relationships difficult to understand

I recommend placing general themes or

constructs in the boxes and listing

specific variables under those themes if

necessary a sequential framework is

helpful when your research question is

testing a specific hypothesis for

example is X associated with Y here is a

sequential framework summarizing

hypothesized causal pathways between

health status and socioeconomic status

by way of access to treatment therapy

compliance and environmental hazards the

author showed two main pathways that

shape health history and socio-economic

history which they show is leading to

current socio-economic events an

overlapping domains framework shows how

multiple factors must occur

simultaneously for an outcome to occur

this framework is useful when you are

testing a hypothesis about an

interaction for example does Y occur

when X and Z are both present or for a

general explanatory model where the

covariates do not share a hierarchical

or embedded relationship these authors

use an overlapping domains framework to

describe their analysis of homeless

patients who are hospitalized and then

released to homeless shelters in the

United States they investigate Hospital

experiences and outcomes homeless

shelter experience and outcomes and how

patients experience the transition from

one system to the other this transition

occurs in a community context where

there are multiple actors including the

city government community clinics

nonprofit organizations I recommend

adapting one of these conceptual

framework templates to your specific

research question go to population

survey analysis calm for a PDF version

of this video and other learning

materials that support your analysis of

a population survey data set

[Music]

so what is the difference between the

two while a theoretical framework is

constructed from existing theory or

theories in literature these theories

have already been tested and validated

by others and the theories are

considered an acceptable series in the

literature a conceptual framework on the

other hand is the researchers

understanding of how the research

problem will be explored it is the

specific direction and the research will

have to take and it defines the

relationship between the different

variables within the study now the

entire theory might be seen as one

theoretical framework a conceptual

framework is carefully put together in

the form of the conceptual model and

immediately applied to the state so the

critical framework is derived from a

theory while the conceptual framework is

derived from the concepts so if we

summarize the conceptual framework is a

complete logical representation an

association of all the aspects of an

underlying thinking structure

methodology and implementation of your

entire study it aids the researching in

identifying and constructing his or her

worldview and approach to the topic of

study and it also aims to provide

explanations of the why and the how of

the research question and it also acts

as a filtering tool if you like for

research questions and click the data

methods simply put it means that once

you've identified what are the variables

you want to determine the relationship

of it's easier to choose the great

research strategy and to choose the

correct data collection and analysis

methods I have included a number of

references for you to look at if you

would like that

information on things thank you very

much for your time and hope to see you

for the next lecture thank you