Chapter 4Framework

Development and Research

Objectives

Chapter Objectives

• Differentiate between concepts and variables• Trace and establish the links among

concepts/variables and evolve a conceptual/theoretical framework

• Develop a Research Question• Develop a Set of Hypotheses• Apply what you have learned to a research

project

The Need for a Framework

The conceptual/theoretical framework is a logically developed, described and elaborated network of associations among concepts or variables deemed relevant to the problem situation.

Concepts and VariablesA Concept

• an idea expressed as a symbol or in words

• Conceptual framework

A Variable

• Can be observed and measured• Theoretical framework

The Conceptual Framework 1. Concepts raised in preliminary

investigation

2. Concepts difficult to operationalise

3. Defines the concepts as clearly as possible

4. Shows possible links among concepts

5. Often indicates qualitative research

Theoretical Framework 1. Types of variables

• Dependent• Independent• Moderating• Intervening

2. Components of Theoretical Framework

Theoretical Framework

Theoretical Framework with Intervening Variable

Theoretical Framework with Moderating Variable

Research Objectives

1. Research Question• Where concepts cannot be clearly

defined• Identifies issues that will be

investigated• Describes the concepts that will be

the focus of the research

• Usually qualitative research

Research Objectives (cont.)

• Research Hypothesis• A logically conjectured relationship

between two or more variables expressed in the form of a testable statement

• Propositions or If-Then statements• Null Hypothesis

• Alternate Hypothesis