CRAFTING A

CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK FOR
YOUR SCIENCE
INVESTIGATORY
PROJECT
A conceptual framework
serves as the backbone
of your project,
providing structure,
direction, and clarity to
your research.
WHAT IS A CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK?
• It is a theoretical structure
that provides a foundation
for designing your research
and interpreting its results.
• It outlines the key concepts,
variables, relationships, and
assumptions underlying
your study.
COMPONENTS OF A CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK
Variables: Identify the main variables or factors that you will
study in your project.
Relationships: Define how these variables are related to each
other. Are they independent, dependent, or moderating
variables?
Assumptions: Clarify any underlying assumptions guiding
your research.

Context: Consider the broader context in which your project

operates and how it may influence your findings.
STEPS TO DEVELOP A
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Identify the problem or topic of your SIP.

Conduct a literature review to understand existing theories and research

related to your topic.

Define your key variables and their relationships based on your literature
review.

Develop hypotheses or research questions based on your conceptual

framework.

Refine and finalize your conceptual framework based on feedback and

further research.
EXAMPLE CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK
• Problem: Investigating the effects of different
fertilizers on plant growth.
• Variables: Type of fertilizer, plant growth
(height, number of leaves, etc.).
• Relationships: The type of fertilizer will affect
plant growth. Organic fertilizers may lead to
better growth compared to chemical
fertilizers.
• Assumptions: Soil quality, environmental
factors, and plant species will remain
constant.
• Context: Consideration of local climate, soil
composition, and agricultural practices.
IMPORTANCE OF A CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK
Helps in the
Provides a clear
formulation of
roadmap for your
hypotheses and
research.
research questions.

Enhances the
Guides data
credibility and
collection, analysis,
validity of your
and interpretation.
findings.
TIPS FOR DEVELOPING A STRONG
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
• Be thorough in your literature review.
• Ensure clarity and consistency in
defining variables and relationships.
• Consider multiple perspectives and
potential confounding factors.
• Seek feedback from peers, mentors,
or experts in the field.
• Be open to revising and refining your
framework as your research
progresses.
CONCLUSION
• Crafting a conceptual framework is a
crucial step in the research process.
• It provides structure and direction to
your Science Investigatory Project,
ensuring rigor and coherence in your
findings.
• Take the time to develop a thoughtful
and well-defined framework to set
the stage for a successful project.