Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
The types of research frameworks are classified as the theoretical and conceptual
frameworks. A theoretical framework is commonly used for studies that anchor on time tested
theories that relate the findings of the investigation to the underpinning relevant theory
of knowledge. At the same time, a conceptual framework refers to the actual ideas, beliefs,
and tentative theories that specifically support the study. It is primarily a conception or model
of what is out there that the researcher plans to study.
Similarities of the Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
The following are the similar characteristics of Theoretical and Conceptual Framework:
1. Provide an overall view of the research study;
2. Anchor a theory that supports the study;
3. Guide in developing relevant research questions/objectives;
4. Help justify assumptions/hypothesis;
5. Aid in choosing appropriate methodology;
6. Help in gathering and interpreting data and
7. Guide in identifying possible threats to validity
The Input-Process-Output Model
The Input-Process-Output Model (IPO) is a conceptual paradigm which indicates the inputs,
required process, and the output. This approach is seated on the premise of acquiring essential
information by converting inputs into outputs through the required processing steps in obtaining
the result. The IPO Model is also referred to as a functional model that is usually used in action
research where an intervention or solution is necessary to solve the identified problem. The Input
is usually the independent variable of the study. Meanwhile, the Process is the intervention or
solution consist of the instruments and analyses used to acquire the result. Lastly, the Output is
the findings or outcome of the interventions being made to solve the identified problem.
Definition of Terms
is also called as Operational Definition of Variables (ODV). The word operational refers to “how
the word/term was used in the study. At the same time, the variables are the elements essential to
the study. There are two ways in defining the terms, the conceptual and operational definition.
The conceptual definition is the meaning of the term that is based on how it is defined in the
dictionary or encyclopedia. Operational definition, on the other hand, is the meaning of the
term based on how it was used in the study.
Hypothesis
is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. It is a specific and
testable prediction on what you expect to happen with the variables in your study. Usually, it
proposes a possible relationship between the independent variable (what the researcher changes)
and the dependent variable (what the research measures). As a researcher, you must determine
whether your hypothesis is accepted or not based on the findings and outcome of your research
study. Not all studies have a hypothesis while some studies have several hypotheses.
Hypothesis is an assumption about the relationship between two or more variables. There are
seven basic types of hypothesis; these are Simple, Complex, Empirical, Logical, Statistical,
Null, and Alternative.
Guidelines in Formulating Hypothesis These guidelines must be observed in formulating your
hypothesis.
1. Before writing your specific hypothesis, spend more time researching about the topic you are
interested in. Focus on information and previous studies related to your topic.
2. Your independent variable and dependent variable must be included in your hypothesis.
3. The relationship of your variables must be reflected in your hypothesis. Will your independent
variable affect your dependent variable?
4. Your hypothesis should be simple and specific as possible. If your hypothesis is vague and
complicated, it would be difficult to find the answer to your question.
5. Your hypothesis should be concise and comprises clear and simple language. Make it short
and simple for it to be easily understood and avoid any misconceptions or misunderstandings.
6. Your hypothesis should be testable without violating ethical standards. It means that it could
be investigated and measured through a scientific method such as statistical analysis and data
interpretation.
7. Your hypothesis must be falsifiable. It means that your hypothesis can be proven wrong
through experiments or empirical data. There are no absolute answers to research questions, but
there is a possibility of validating the hypotheses to be true beyond a reasonable doubt.
Review of related literature
is a compilation of studies related to a specific area of research (Fraenkel & Wallen, 2020). It
evaluates, classifies and summarizes all the relevant previous studies conducted on a specified
topic. It is also designed to justify your research by exposing the gaps of the previous studies. It
is vital that your literature review is centralized. Thus, you should choose studies that are focused
to your topic rather than collecting a broader scope of studies which are already not relevant to
your research.
• Primary sources are publications in which a researcher accounts the findings of his or her
investigations. Most primary sources are found in journal articles.
• Secondary sources are publications in which a researcher considers the work of others.
Purpose of a Literature Review The review of related literature is anchored on the following
purposes.
1. To discover the connection of your research to the existing body of knowledge and to the real-
life situations.
2. To identify more theories or concepts as the foundation of your research study and to learn
from them.
3. To determine the relationship of your research with previous research studies to prevent
duplication and to acknowledge other researchers.
Citation is a reference to a literature being used in your study. It is a way of giving
acknowledgement to the authors whom you have referred their intellectual works and creativity
as a support or foundation of your research.
in-text citation is a reference made within the body of text in the paper. It leads the reader to a
source where a particular information has been taken of. An in-text citation should be reflected
when you refer, paraphrase, summarize, or quote from another author.
A reference typically includes only the sources that you have mentioned or cited intext in your
paper, while a bibliography is generally a list of all the sources you use to generate your ideas
about your research even if you have not mentioned or cited them in your paper.
