A conceptual framework in research provides the theoretical foundation for understanding the various

aspects of a phenomenon under investigation. It outlines the key concepts, variables, relationships, and
assumptions that guide the research study. Essentially, it serves as a roadmap for how the researcher
intends to approach the topic and interpret the findings.

Here's an example to illustrate:

Let's say a researcher is conducting a study on the impact of social media usage on mental health among
teenagers. Their conceptual framework might include the following components:

Concepts: The main concepts involved in the study could include "social media usage" and "mental
health." Social media usage might encompass factors such as frequency of use, types of platforms used,
and interactions online. Mental health might encompass variables like self-esteem, anxiety, depression,
and overall psychological well-being.
Variables: Within each concept, there are specific variables that the researcher aims to measure. For
example, under "social media usage," variables could include time spent on social media per day, number
of social media accounts, and engagement with online content. Under "mental health," variables could
include self-reported levels of happiness, stress levels, and symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Relationships: The conceptual framework would outline the hypothesized relationships between the
variables. In this case, the researcher might propose that higher levels of social media usage are
associated with poorer mental health outcomes. They might also propose potential mediating or
moderating factors, such as the quality of online interactions or the presence of social support.
Assumptions: The researcher's underlying assumptions about the topic would be made explicit in the
conceptual framework. These could include beliefs about the role of social media in shaping adolescent
behavior and attitudes, as well as assumptions about the mechanisms through which social media might
influence mental health.
Overall, the conceptual framework provides a structured way to organize the researcher's thinking and
guide the research process. It helps ensure that the study is theoretically grounded and that the findings
are interpreted within a coherent framework.