This document discusses conceptual frameworks and provides guidance on developing one. It explains that a conceptual framework is a system of concepts, assumptions and beliefs that supports research. It serves to clarify concepts, relationships among concepts, and provide context for interpreting findings. A good conceptual framework is constructed rather than found, integrates different approaches, and links to literature and research questions. The document outlines modules for constructing a framework, including using prior theory and research, exploratory research, and thought experiments. Specific forms can include schematic models, mind maps or mathematical representations. Samples and observations from a class presentation are also included.

1. Conceptual Framework
What Do You Think Is Going On?
(Wills, 2012)
Purna Bdr. Thapa Prabhat
Sept 20, 2013
Class presentation
Advance Qualitative Research
Methods (621)
(Maxwell. J)

2. The structure of presentation
 Understanding Conceptual Framework
 Purpose of Conceptual Framework
 What Make Good Conceptual Framework
 Why Philosophical Paradigms
 Modules to Construct Conceptual Framework
 Developing Concept Maps
 Specific forms of Conceptual Framework
 Samples
 Observation

3. Understanding Conceptual Framework
 System of concepts, assumptions, expectations,
beliefs and theories – supports and informs
 Relations with variables, concepts and key factors
 Linked concepts- comprehensive understanding
(Jabareen, 2009)
 Ontological or epistemological role
 Visual or written product / theory– graphical or
narrative
 Understanding of things you plan to study

4. Purposes of Conceptual Framework
 To clarify concepts and purposes relationships
among the concepts
 Provide a context for interpreting the study
findings
 Explain observations
 Theory development

5. What Make Good Conceptual Framework
 Outside the tradition – integrate different
approaches, theories
 Critical not just descriptive
 Constructed , not found
 Your understanding about the world
 Researcher identity and experience
 Links with literature, research questions
(www.authorstream.com)

6. Why Philosophical Paradigms
 Clear about philosophical and methodologies
 Each embody different ideas about ontology and
epistemology
 Justify your design decisions-theory
 Build on accepted theory
CHOOSING PARADIGMS
 Understand the theme
 Assessing which world is fit with you
 Preference of researchers
 Compatible with research questions, methods

7. Modules to Construct Conceptual Framework
1. Your experiential knowledge
 Via Identity Memo, personal experience
2. Prior theory and research
 Theory is a “coat closet”
 Theory is a “spotlight”
3. Your pilot and exploratory research
4. Thought experiments
 Helpful working on whiteboard or computer
programs

8. Use of Theory in Conceptual Framework
 Theory: set of concepts, ideas, broader than its
usual meaning; eg. rock
 Why? roadmap, enlightenment, broaden
understanding
 How? existing theory, critical use of theory
 ‘Believing game’ and ‘doubting game’
 Develop, borrow an d test

9. Developing Concept Maps
1. Identify the key words – literature review
2. Take something you’ve already written –
naming concept
3. Categorize and brainstorm
4. Integrate and validating
5. Ask someone and re-visit
 Don’t try to make you map too elegant

10. Specific forms of conceptual framework
 Model can be: schematic or mathematical
– Schematic model- conveys concepts and
propositions – boxes, arrows tree chart, or
other symbols
– Mathematical: conveys concepts and
propositions, through, letters, number, and
mathematical symbols , ( Nalzaro, 2009)
– Mind Maps
– Software system
(Vaughan, 2008)

11. Samples

12. Observation
 Individual construction
 ‘Concept maps’ and conceptual framework
 Cases and examples
 Recommend to read
 No reference – seems book chapter

13. Reference
 Maxwell, J. (2012). Qualitative Research Design: An
interactive approach (Chapter 3: Conceptual
Framework. Thousand Oaks. Sage.
 Jabareen, Y. (2009). Building a Conceputal
Framework: Philosophy, Definitions and Procedure.
International institute fro qualitative methodology.
Alberta.
 ( Nalzaro, 2009). Conceptual Framework. www.
/ludymae/chapter-6theoretical-conceptual framework