RESEARCH FRAMEWORK

What is a Research Framework?

 A research framework illustrates the structure or blueprint of the research plan and helps the
researcher formulate relevant research questions.
 The framework consists of the key concepts and assumes relationships of the research project.
It is normally used as a guide for researchers so that they are more focused on the scope of
their studies. It can be presented using visual (diagrams, chart, etc.) and narrative (paragraph
stating the concepts and relationships of the study) forms.
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
 A theoretical framework is commonly used for studies that anchor on time-tested theories
that relate the findings of the investigation to the underpinning relevant theory of knowledge.
 At the same time, a conceptual framework refers to the actual ideas, beliefs, and tentative
theories that specifically support the study. It is primarily a conception or model of what is out
there that the researcher plans to study.
Similarities of the Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
The following are the similar characteristics of Theoretical and Conceptual Framework:
1. Provide an overall view of the research study;
2. Anchor a theory that supports the study;
3. Guide in developing relevant research questions/objectives;
4. Help justify assumptions/hypothesis;
5. Aid in choosing appropriate methodology;
6. Help in gathering and interpreting data and
7. Guide in identifying possible threats to validity.
Guidelines and strategies in choosing and developing a Research Framework
In deciding on what research framework, you are going to use in your study, you have to take into
consideration the following vital information about the theoretical and conceptual framework.

Theoretical framework
 Revisit the information given by your related literature and identify if there are potential
theories or knowledge that may be use or anchored to the possible outcome of your study.
 With the use of this information, you can now create a plan or blueprint for your research
study.
 You also need to comprehend and consider the variables that will be significant in your study
and their relationship with another.

Conceptual framework
 Refer to your research questions or objectives to identify the essential themes in your study.
Look for additional theories that involve the same principle and see how they relate to one
another. Make a concept map of your conceptual framework, utilizing the existing theories as
a reference. If there are topics which are not included in the theories you have chosen and you
know that it is essential to your study, you can include it.
 You have to make a written explanation on the concepts that are being incorporated and their
impact to one another after you have made the first draft of your conceptual framework.
 Moreover, you have to revisit your research questions and conceptual framework if they are
aligned.
 It is important to remember that developing a conceptual framework is a process. This means
that as you study more material and research more theories, it may still be refined or updated.
The research hypothesis may be stated at the end of the conceptual framework in some
situations.

What is Concept Map?

 A concept map is a visual representation of information that helps show the relationship
between ideas. Concept maps begin with the main topic and then branch out into sub-topics,
reflecting the connection of all the elements in the study. It can also provide and organize new
ideas.
 It is composed of different figures such as lines, circles, boxes, and other marks or symbols
which represent the elements of your research. It can take the form of charts, graphic
organizers, tables, flowcharts, Venn Diagrams, timelines, or T-charts. Concept map arranges
related ideas in a hierarchy. You start broad, and the sub-topics will get more and more
specific. It also helps you in formulating a specific topic from the general or the main idea with
significant connections of information. In other words, understanding the big picture makes
the details more significant and easier to comprehend.
 Concept maps are very useful for researchers and readers who understand better visually.
With the proper connection of lines and linking arrows to shapes and other symbols
representing your concepts about the research, the readers can visualize a comprehensive
picture of your study.
 However, in the concept map, you are not yet actually researching your study. It is developing
or creating your plan or blueprint so that you will be guided on the flow and direction of your
research study. And that includes your research questions, variables, and methodology. It
means that you are just gathering and soliciting ideas on what you could learn about your
chosen topic.
 Before creating your conceptual framework, you have to understand first the different
variables of your study. Although these were already discussed in the previous module for the
purpose of utilizing it in your framework, an in-depth concept is a need.

Independent Variable
The independent variable is the “presumed cause” of the research problem. It is the reason for
any “change” or difference in a dependent variable. It can be purposely manipulated by the
researcher, depending on the focus of the study. It maybe can cause, influence, or affect the
result or outcome of the study. It is also called as the experimental, treatment, antecedent, or
predictor variable. Moreover, it refers to the variable that is stable and unaffected by the other
variables you are trying to measure.
Dependent Variable
The dependent variable is the “presumed effect” of the research problem. It is usually the
problem itself or the element that is being questioned. This variable is altered as a result of
experimental manipulation of the independent variable or variables. It is also called as the
criterion, effect, response, or outcome variable which captures the interest of the researcher
 and requires analysis, interpretation, and implication of the findings of the study. The variable
that depends on other factors that are measured and are affected or influenced by the
independent variable.
Moderating Variable
The moderating variable is an independent variable which influences the direction and the
strength of the connection between independent and dependent variables. The independent
variable interacts with the moderator variable, which makes the relationship of the
independent and dependent variable stronger or weaker. It alters the effect that an
independent variable has on a dependent variable base on its value. The moderator thus
influences the effective component of the cause-effect relationship between the two
variables. This is also called as the interaction effect.
Mediating Variable or Intervening Variable
Mediating variable or Intervening variable is an element that exists between the independent
to the dependent variable. A mediator (or mediating) variable is an integral part of the cause-
effect relationship and helps us to understand the effects of the independent variable on the
dependent variable. It is a variable that describes the effect and influence of the relationship
between the variables and what is controlling that relationship. This is also called as correlated
or mediator variables
Control Variable
 The control variable is a special type of independent variable that can influence the dependent
variable. It takes an active role in quantitative studies. Statistical procedures are used to
control this variable. It is useful to integrate the control variables into your research study, but
it is not the main focus.
 It has somehow an effect on the dependent variable and an extension of the independent
variable. However, if you omit the control variable from your study, the findings would be less
accurate. It is mostly relevant if your study is about to prove a cause-effect relationship by
undertaking statistical analysis.
The Input-Process-Output Model
The Input-Process-Output Model (IPO) is a conceptual paradigm which indicates the inputs,
required process, and the output. This approach is seated on the premise of acquiring
essential information by converting inputs into outputs through the required processing steps
in obtaining the result. The IPO Model is also referred to as a functional model that is usually
used in action research where an intervention or solution is necessary to solve the identified
problem
 The Input is usually the independent variable of the study. Meanwhile, the Process is the
intervention or solution consist of the instruments and analyses used to acquire the result.
 The Output is the findings or outcome of the interventions being made to solve the identified
problem.