Research Frameworks

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2
Research framework
➢ A research framework is a precise representation of the structure of a research project plan.
Through this structure, you can determine the critical areas of the study. It also allows the
researcher to come up with relevant research questions and research objectives.
➢ The framework consists of the key concepts and assumed 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 such as diagrams, chart, etc.
 Research Framework
Types of frameworks
▪ Theoretical framework
▪ Conceptual framework
 Why need a Theoretical framework?
➢ Theoretical framework serves as a roadmap for developing the arguments you will use
in your own work.
➢ In a theoretical framework, you explain the existing theories that support your
research, showing that your research topic is relevant and grounded in established
ideas.
➢ It make the reader aware of the assumptions that inform your approach, showing the
rationale behind your choices for later sections, like methodology and discussion. It
helps the researcher lays the foundations that will support your analysis, helping you
interpret your results and make broader generalizations.
 How to write a theoretical framework
1. Identifying your key concepts
 How to write a theoretical framework
2. Evaluating and explaining relevant theories
 How to write a theoretical framework
3. Showing how your research fits into existing research
Example of Theoretical framework

Thomassen’s Customer Satisfaction Model

 Conceptual Framework
➢ A conceptual framework illustrates the expected relationship between your
variables. It defines the relevant objectives for your research process and maps
out how they come together to draw coherent conclusions.
➢ It is a representation of the relationship you expect to see between your
variables, or the characteristics or properties that you want to study.
Developing a conceptual framework in research
Step 1: Choose your research question
Step 2: Select your independent and dependent variables
Step 3: Visualize your cause-and-effect relationship
Step 4: Identify other influencing variables
Variables that can influence the relationship between your
independent and dependent
1. Moderating variables
➢ Moderating variable (or moderators) alter the effect that an independent variable has on
a dependent variable. In other words, moderators change the “effect” component of the
cause-and-effect relationship.
Variables that can influence the relationship between your
independent and dependent
1. Moderating variables
Variables that can influence the relationship between your
independent and dependent
2. Mediating Variables
➢ 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.
Variables that can influence the relationship between your
independent and dependent
2. Mediating Variables
Variables that can influence the relationship between your
independent and dependent
3. Control variables
➢ Control variables in the conceptual framework of research have a significant influence on
the dependent variable. It is a third variable whose influence can be either controlled or
eliminated. Control variables in the study are more important than independent or
dependent variables. These variables also could have a great influence on research results
➢ In case you omit control variables from the study, then the research result obtained will
be less accurate. You can include the control variable in your study when you intend to
prove the relationship between cause and effect by using statistical analysis.