Conceptual framework: Definition and theory

Theoretical and conceptual frameworks ultimately go hand in hand, but while there is significant overlap with theoretical perspectives and theoretical frameworks, understanding the essential differences is important when designing your research project.

Strong conceptual frameworks bring the variables of your study into focus.
Let’s explore the idea of a conceptual framework, provide a few common examples, and discuss how to choose a framework for your study. Keep in mind that a conceptual framework will differ from a theoretical framework and that we will explore these differences in the next section.

Understanding conceptual frameworks
In this section, we’ll look at the intricacies of conceptual frameworks and their role in qualitative research. They are essentially the scaffolding on which you hang your research questions and analysis. They define the concepts that you’ll study and articulate the relationships among them.

Developing conceptual frameworks in research
At the most basic level, a conceptual framework is a visual or written product that explains, either graphically or in narrative form, the main things to be studied, the key factors, variables, or constructs, and any presumed relationships among them. It acts as a road map guiding the course of your research, directing what will be studied, and helping to organize and analyze the data.

The purpose of a conceptual framework
A conceptual framework serves multiple functions in a research project. It helps in clarifying the research problem and purpose, assists in refining the research questions, and guides the data collection and analysis process. It’s the tool that ties all aspects of the study together, offering a coherent perspective for the researcher and readers to understand the research more holistically.