A conceptual framework represents the researcher's understanding of how the variables in a study relate to each other based on a review of literature. It maps out the actions needed in the study and identifies the key variables. The conceptual framework is developed through choosing a topic, conducting a literature review to isolate important variables, and generating a framework that shows causal influences and connections between an independent and dependent variable using boxes, arrows, and lines. Once complete, the conceptual framework guides the research methods used to test the illustrated relationships.