PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2
RESEARCH
FRAMEWORK
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
Classifications of Research Framework
1. Theoretical Framework
2. Conceptual Framework
Theoretical Framework
• commonly used for studies that anchor on
time-tested theories that relate the
findings of the investigation to the
underpinning relevant theory of knowledge
(underpinning = set of ideas or motives)
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
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
Differences of the Theoretical and
Conceptual Framework
GUIDELINES AND STRATEGIES IN
CHOOSING AND DEVELOPING A
RESEARCH 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 these information, you can
now create a plan or blueprint for your
research study.
• You also need to comprehend and consider
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
Conceptual Framework
• 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.
Conceptual Framework
• 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.
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.
Concept Map
• 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.
Independent Variable
• The “presumed cause” of the research
problem.
• The reason for any “change” in a
dependent variable.
• Purposely manipulated by the researcher.
• Also called as the experimental, treatment,
antecedent, or predictor variable.
• Refers to the variable that is stable and
unaffected by other variables.
Dependent Variable
• 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.
• The variable that depends on other
factors that are measured and are affected
or influenced by the independent variable.
Dependent Variable
• 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.
Control Variable
• A special type of independent variable that
can influence the dependent variable.
• It takes an active role in quantitative
studies.
• It is useful to integrate the control
variables into your research study, but it is
not the main focus.
• Statistical procedures are used to control
this variable.
Control Variable
• 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.
Moderating Variable
• 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.
Moderating Variable
• This is also called as the interaction
effect.
• 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.
Mediating Variable or Intervening
Variable
• 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.
Mediating Variable or Intervening
Variable
• This is also called as correlated or
mediator variables.
• It is a variable that describes the effect
and influence of the relationship between
the variables and what is controlling that
relationship.
The Input-Process-Output Model (IPO)
• It 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
The Input-Process-Output Model (IPO)
• 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. Lastly, the
Output is the findings or outcome of the
interventions being made to solve the
identified problem.
Common examples of
Conceptual Framework
A. Independent Variable – Dependent Variable
Model
This conceptual framework shows the independent
and dependent variables of the study. It is
presumed that a greater number of hours a student
prepares for the exam, the higher would be the
B. The Input – Process – Output Model (IPO)
B. The Input – Process – Output Model (IPO)
This conceptual framework shows the input,
process, and output approach of the study. The
input is the independent variable, which includes
the socio-demographic and food safety profile of
the respondents. The process includes the tools and
analyses in gathering the data, while the output is
the outcome based on the results of the study.
C. Moderating Variable
Hours of Exam Scores
Study
IQ
D. Mediating Variable
Number of
Exercises
Hours of
Exam Scores
Study
Research Title: Medical Intervention and the
Number of Patients Recovering from Pneumonia
Research Title: Effects of the Social Responsibility
of a Corporation to its Organizational Performance
