Lesson

1&2
The Conceptual Framework

This Individualized Learning Material (ILM) was designed and written

with you in mind. It is here to help you demonstrate understanding of the
mechanics in writing a research report following the IMRAD format in
presenting and communicating the results of scientific research project. The
scope of this ILM permits it to be used in many different learning situations
and its long term objective is to encourage/motivate you to choose a career in
science or any science-related field. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of
the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using in order to make you feel
sufficiently “at home with research”.

This ILM will help you write and present a research paper following a
standard IMRAD format in writing scientific paper and present a research
project through an exhibit and a science congress

Objectives

Learning Competency:

Follow the IMRAD format in writing scientific paper

Instructional Objectives:

1. To construct conceptual framework of the research study

 Explore

After presenting the research problem, the next part of the

research report consists of the (a) review of related literature, (b)
conceptual framework, (c) hypotheses and (d) definition of terms.
Conceptual Framework
A science investigatory project would not be complete without
conceptual framework. Before one can begin the project, a clear
conceptual framework must first be made. A conceptual framework
is a general statement which forms the frame of reference for your
inquiry on investigation. Usually written in the form of a diagram,
the conceptual framework provides the basic for conducting your
research. Simply stated, a conceptual framework sets out the
rationale which underlies (a) why do you do what you do and (b)
how you do your research.
Activity 7.0: Conceptual Framework
What to do: Given a research title “False Daisy (Eclipta alba Linn. Hassk)
Leaf Extract as Blood Procoagulant and Antibacterial Agent”

a. Formulate Conceptual Framework

Learn

Conceptual Framework
A framework is similar to a skeleton; it is a basic structure or
a frame of reference (Webster, 2006). It is designed to support or
enclose something. As a skeleton gives shape, form, and strength to
the body so it can stand erect, so do different concepts and
theories. They serve as the building blocks (or “skeleton”) to
strongly clarify the bases of the study.
Conceptual Framework guides the researcher by making the
direction of the research clearer. The result of the clearer
understanding of the conceptual framework is a diagrammatic
presentation of the study paradigm which is explained in the last
paragraph of the section.
 Actually, the conceptual framework is a tentative scheme
for the research project based on the review of literature.
Thus, it immediately follows the section on Review of
Literature.
 In your readings, you may come across two types of
diagrams representing conceptual frameworks: one shows
the relationship of the key concepts involved in the study.
Another type, the more common one, shows the
relationships of the key variables to be investigated.
 In the diagram, lines are used to show relationships
between or among the variables. Arrows are used to show
the effect of the independent variable(s) on the dependent
variable(s). Each of these lines/arrows represents a
hypothesis. Thus the section Research Hypothesis
immediately follows the Conceptual Framework.
 However, a conceptual framework is not needed in
qualitative research. This kind of research usually seeks
the relationship of those concepts/variables. Hence, the
conceptual framework becomes the Conclusion. However,
a flow chart of the processes involved in the study may be
included in a qualitative research instead of a conceptual
framework.
 Considering the place and role of the conceptual framework
in research, its usefulness to the researcher becomes clear:
 It helps you focus your research. As the frame of
reference of your research, a conceptual framework
 would always come in handy to help you focus on
the purpose of your research.
 It gives you the proper perspective on the problem
you are investigating and helps you pose your
research questions.
 It provides you with a solid anchor to guide you in
making your hypotheses and, after experimenting,
in explaining your findings. You can describe
perspectives that have been used that do not seem
to get at the problem, explain why they do not, and
show how what you what you propose will be more
appropriate. It also helps you focus on the
theories/concepts/perspectives that are most
applicable to your problem or question.

 Recall the research problem on the effect of Aloe vera

extracts on growth and regeneration of Planaria in the
previous lesson. The following is a simple conceptual
framework for this sample problem which shows the
factors that will be investigated in the research.

Problem: What is the effect of Aloe vera extract on the rate of

growth and regeneration of Planaria?

Conceptual Framework:
Regeneration
Of Planaria
Aloe vera
Extract
Growth of
Planaria
 Apply

Accomplish the activity below. Apply what you have learned a while ago.

Activity 7.1: Conceptual Framework

What to do: Sketch in the box below a diagram showing the conceptual
framework of your study.

1. Title of SIP: __________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Proposed Paradigm of the Study

Explanation of the Paradigm ___________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________.
 Assess

Given the following titles select 1 and formulate a paradigm of the selected
study:

1. Biodegradation of Diesel Oil Using Bacillus Isolates

2. Preliminary Study on the Extraction of Gum From Taro (Colocassia

esculenta) Petioles

3. Feasibility of Mango (Mangifera indica) Peeling Extract as Fabric Dye

Reflect

1. What important concepts have you gained in the lesson?

2. What are the difficulties have you encountered in the process of
learning?
3. How will you apply the lesson learned in the real -life situation?

References

Ardales, V.B. (2008). Basic Concepts and Methods in Research. Manila:

Educational Publishing House.

Cristobal Jr., A. P & Cristobal C.D. (2013). Research Made Easier: A Step-
by-Step Process. Quezon City: C & E Publication.

RESEARCH II. A Guide to Investigatory Projects. Science

Education Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Engineering
and Science Education Project (ESEP). Bicutan, Taguig, MM: 2001.
 Answer Key

Answers Key

EXPLORE
 Answers may vary

APPLY
 Answers may vary

ASSESS
 Answers may vary