Conceptual framework and theoretical framework

Frameworks provide structure and clarity to a study by organizing and guiding the research process. They are essential for defining the relationships between key variables or concepts, grounding the research in established theories, and justifying the research approach.

A framework serves as the logical structure of meaning that guides the development of a study. It is grounded in the identification of key concepts and the relationships among these concepts. Frameworks provide a foundation for understanding how the study’s variables interact and contribute to addressing the research problem.

A conceptual framework is a structure which the researcher believes can best explain the flow of the natural progression of the phenomenon to be studied (Camp, 2001). It is the organization of research variables wherein research problem would be explored.

It is defined as a visual or written product, one that “explains, either graphically or in narrative form, the main things to be studied—the key factors, concepts, or variables—and the presumed relationships among them” Miles and Huberman (1994).

It is arranged in a logical structure to aid provide a picture or visual display of how ideas in a study relate to one another (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).

The research problem is a fundamental component of the conceptual framework, and formulating it is a crucial step in designing a study. A conceptual framework, therefore, is something that is constructed, not found.

• The conceptual framework is the researcher’s “map” in pursuing the investigation.
• It guides the researcher in his investigation to achieve the objectives of the study. It offers many benefits to research. For instance, it assists the researcher in identifying and constructing his/her worldview on the phenomenon to be investigated (Grant & Osanloo, 2014).
• It is the simplest way through which a researcher presents his/her asserted remedies to the problem s/he has defined (Akintoye, 2015).

• Sets the stage for presenting the research question based on the problem statement (McGaghie, et al., 2001; Regonel, n.d.)
• Represents researcher’s synthesis of literature on the phenomenon being studied
• Defines the research problem and establishes theoretical coherence
• Links the literature, methodology, and results
• Organizes research design and implementation
• Frames conceptual conclusions

Functions as a tool for:

• Explaining and making sense of data
• Filtering appropriate research questions and data collection methods
• Providing structure and reference for the study

1. Choose your topic.
2. Do a literature review.
3. Isolate the important variables.
4. Generate the conceptual framework. (Use a flow chart or Tree Diagram)

1. Flow charts
2. Tree diagrams
3. Shape-based diagrams: triangles, concentric circles, overlapping circles, mind maps

Example 1: (Independent-Dependent Variable Model)

Figure 1 shows conceptual framework of the study on Student’s Motivation and Academic Performance of Senior High Students of Bolocboloc High School, SY 2017-2018 (Deguit, Salinas, Catherine, Samson, Don, 2018). The study posited that academic performance of senior high school students is affected by the profile (age, sex, family income) and Motivation (intrinsic, extrinsic).

Figure 1. Independent-Dependent Variable Model

Example 2: Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model

Research Topic: Level of Effectiveness of Using Social Media in the Political Literacy of College Students

Figure 2 shows the Conceptual Framework of the study. The input is the profile of the college students according to sex, year level, and the social media platform being used. The research process includes administering the questionnaires, tabulating students’ responses, and statistical data analysis and interpretation. The output is the effectiveness of using social media in the political literacy of college students.

Figure 2. Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model

The theoretical framework is grounded in existing theories and models that provide the foundation for the research. It presents a broader, established set of ideas or principles that explain the phenomena under study.

The theoretical framework provides the structure supporting a research study’s theory. It explains how the researcher uses the theory and its assumptions to investigate the research problem. Synthesizing concepts, ideas, and theories from prior studies, it forms the conceptual basis for analyzing and interpreting the research findings.

• It connects the study to existing knowledge, enabling hypothesis testing, comparison with theories, and alignment with established research.
• It conceptualizes the nature of your research problem, its basis, and your chosen analysis method.
• It influences how you perceive, make sense of, and interpret your data.
• It provides an explanation that helps readers understand your perspective and research context.
• Clarify your implicit theory in a clearly defined manner.
• Consider alternative frameworks and reduce interpretation biases.
• Explore alternative theories that may challenge your perspective.
• Identify limitations of your chosen theory and evaluate if other frameworks better address the research problem.

Example of Theoretical Framework: The concept of customer satisfaction

Thomassen’s Customer Satisfaction Model

According to Thomassen, both the so-called “value proposition” and other influences have an impact on final customer satisfaction. In his satisfaction model (Fig. 3), Thomassen shows that word-of-mouth, personal needs, past experiences, and marketing and public relations determine customers’ needs and expectations. These factors are compared to their experiences, with the interplay between expectations and experiences determining a customer’s satisfaction level. Thomassen’s model is important for this study as it allows us to determine both the extent to which the boutique’s customers are satisfied, as well as where improvements can be made.

Figure 3. Customer satisfaction creation