How to Develop a Conceptual Framework – with REAL Example | Scribbr 🎓

Summary

This video explains how to create a conceptual framework for a thesis. A conceptual framework illustrates the expected relationships between variables in your research, helping to map how they might influence each other. Using the example of study hours and exam scores, it highlights the roles of independent, dependent, moderator, mediator, and control variables. It also emphasizes how a literature review informs the framework. The video provides clear guidance on how to design a conceptual framework, with tips on incorporating key variables like IQ (moderator) and practice problems completed (mediator).

Takeaways

• 🧠 A conceptual framework outlines what you expect to find in your research and defines the relevant variables.
• 🔍 The framework is based on your literature review, which helps identify potential relationships between variables.
• 📊 Variables are characteristics or properties you want to study, like 'hours of study' and 'exam score'.
• 📈 Hours of study is an independent variable, while exam score is the dependent variable because it depends on study hours.
• 📦 The framework is visualized using boxes, arrows, and lines to show the relationships between variables.
• 🔄 Moderator variables alter the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable (e.g., IQ moderates study hours and exam score).
• 🔗 Mediator variables explain how or why the independent variable affects the dependent variable (e.g., practice problems link study hours to exam score).
• 🚧 Moderators are not influenced by the independent variable, while mediators are affected by the independent variable.
• 🛑 Control variables are held constant to prevent them from influencing the study's outcome (e.g., health is a control variable).
• 📚 Developing a conceptual framework involves identifying key variables and their relationships to better understand the research focus.

Q & A

What is a conceptual framework?

A conceptual framework illustrates what you expect to find through your research. It defines the relevant variables for your study and maps out how they might relate to each other.

How do you develop a conceptual framework?

You develop a conceptual framework based on your literature review, which involves examining previous research to understand the relationships between variables.

What are variables in a research study?

Variables are the characteristics or properties that you want to study. They can be independent, dependent, moderator, mediator, or control variables.

What is the difference between independent and dependent variables?

An independent variable is the one that is manipulated or varied to see its effect, while a dependent variable is the outcome that depends on the independent variable.

Can you give an example of an independent and dependent variable?

In the example provided, 'hours of study' is the independent variable, and 'exam score' is the dependent variable, as exam score depends on how many hours were spent studying.

What are moderator variables and how do they function?

A moderator variable influences the strength or direction of the relationship between an independent and a dependent variable. For example, IQ moderates the effect of study hours on exam scores.

What is the role of a mediator variable?

A mediator variable helps explain the relationship between an independent and dependent variable by linking the two. For example, 'number of practice problems completed' can mediate the effect of study hours on exam scores.

How do mediator and moderator variables differ?

A mediator is affected by the independent variable and explains the relationship, while a moderator influences the relationship but is not affected by the independent variable.

What is a control variable and why is it important?

A control variable is held constant to prevent it from influencing the outcome of the study. It's important to ensure that unrelated variables don't interfere with the results.

How can a conceptual framework be visually represented?

A conceptual framework can be represented using boxes for variables and arrows to show relationships, such as causal links between independent and dependent variables.