Online Class

mcc201
methods
of research

July 31-August 15, 2021

Conceptual Framework and
Review of Related Literature

Joseph Decena Dayag, PhD

St. Paul University Philippines
August 1,2021
Conceptual Framework…
…a written or visual presentation that
-“explains either graphically, or in
narrative form, the main things to be
studied—the key factors, concepts or variables—
-and the presumed relationship
among them. (Miles and Huberman, 1994, 18)
Where does the conceptual
framework fit?
…preparing a conceptual framework
can be likened to planning a holiday.
conceptual framework …itinerary
Where does the conceptual framework fit in-quantitative?
Research problem The issue of theoretical or practical interest
Paradigm The philosophical assumptions about the nature of the world and how
we understand it--positivism
Aims and Objectives What we want to know and how the answer may be built up
Literature review A critical and evaluative review of the thoughts and experiences of
others
Conceptual framework Provides the structure/ content for the whole study based on literature
and personal experience
Research questions Specific questions that require answers
Data collection and Methodology, methods and analysis
analysis
Interpretation of the Making sense of the results
results
Evaluation of the research Revisit conceptual framework
Where does the conceptual framework fit in-qualitative?
Research problem The issue of theoretical or practical interest
Paradigm The philosophical assumptions about the nature of the world and how
we understand it—e.g. interpretivism
Aims and Objectives What we want to know and how the answer may be built up
Literature review A critical and evaluative review of the thoughts and experiences of
others
Conceptual framework Provides the structure/ content for the whole study based on literature
and personal experience
Research questions Specific questions that require answers
Data collection and Methodology, methods and analysis
analysis
Interpretation of the Conceptual framework develops as participants’ views
results and issues are gathered and analysed.
Evaluation of the research Revisit conceptual framework
What general forms might a
conceptual framework take?
 General forms…

1. Process Frameworks
2. Content Frameworks
 General forms…
1. Process Frameworks
-set out the stages through which an
action moves from initiation to conclusion
-These relate to the ‘how’ question
 General forms…
2. Content Frameworks
-set out the variables and possibly the
relationship with relative strengths between
them.
-These answer the ‘why’ question.
What specific forms might a
conceptual framework take?
•Flow chart
•Tree diagram
•Shape-based diagrams
(triangles, concentric circles, overlapping circles)
•Mind maps
•Soft systems
E.g.
E.g.
E.g.
E.g.
E.g.
What inputs go into developing
a conceptual framework?
What inputs go into developing a
conceptual framework?

• Experiential knowledge of student and

supervisor
• Literature review
Experiential knowledge
-technical knowledge
-research background
-personal experience
-data
Why are conceptual
frameworks useful?
CFs provide researchers with

1. the ability to move beyond descriptions

of what to explanations of why and
how.
2. the boundaries of the work.
CFs provide researchers with

3. A reference point for the discussion of the

literature, methodology and results.
4. A means of setting out an explanation that
might be used to define and make sense of the
data that flow from the research question.
CFs provide researchers with

5. A filtering tool for selecting

appropriate research questions and
related data collection methods.
What are the limitations of
a conceptual framework?
❖ CF is influenced by the experience and
knowledge of the individual. (initial bias)

❖ Once developed, CF will influence the

researcher’s thinking and may result in
some things given prominence and
others being ignored. (ongoing bias)
❖ CF is influenced by the experience and knowledge of the individual. (initial bias)

❖ Once developed, CF will influence the researcher’s thinking and may result in some things
given prominence and others being ignored. (ongoing bias)

Revisit the conceptual framework,

particularly at the end when evaluating
your work.
What is a review of
literature?
What is a review of literature?

…account of what has been published on a

topic by accredited scholars and
researchers.
What does a Literature Review do?

1. Be organized around and related

directly to the thesis or research
question you are developing.
2. Synthesize results into a summary of
what is and is not known.
What does a Literature Review do?

3. Identify areas of controversy in the

literature

4. Formulate questions that need further

research.
Questions to ask…
1. What is the specific thesis, problem, or
research question that my LR helps to
define?
2. What type of LR am I conducting? Am I
looking at issues of a theory?
Methodology? Policy? Quantitative
Research? Qualitative Research?
3. What is the scope of my LR? What types
of publications am I using?
4. How good was my information seeking?
Has my search been wide enough to
ensure I’ve found all the relevant
materials? Remember 50 & 100.
5. Have I critically analyzed the literature I
use? Have I assessed them, discussing
strengths and weaknesses?
6. Have I cited and discussed studies
contrary to my perspective?
7 .Will the reader find my LR relevant,
appropriate and useful?
Queries, suggestions and comments?

Email…
jddayag30@gmail.com