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Practical Research 2
Quarter 1
Module 6: Conceptual Framework
Practical Research 2 – Grade 12
Quarter 1: Module 6: Conceptual Framework

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Rochelle Monica L. Sta. Ana

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Reviewers: Darcy Guy Y. Mañebo, EPS

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Layout Artist: Rochelle Monica L. Sta. Ana

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Practical Research 2- Grade 12
Quarter 1 – Module 6: Conceptual Framework

I. Introduction:
Research is an academic activity that requires a great deal of abstraction or formation of
concepts or ideas in your mind about things in your surroundings. Resulting from mental
conceptions and viewed holistically, research has to appear understandable to people who
are enthusiastic to read the research findings. This module will immerse you into performing
varied higher-order thinking strategies of interpreting, criticizing, applying, and creating.
(Baraceros, 2016)

II. Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

 Explain the meaning of conceptual framework. (CS_RS12-If-j-6)

 Clarify the difference between a conceptual framework and a theoretical framework.

(CS_RS12-If-j-6)

 Write a conceptual framework applying the guidelines on writing a conceptual

framework. (CS_RS12-If-j-6)

III. Vocabulary List:

Let’s learn new words that you will encounter as you go through this module.

 Concept

An idea of something formed by mentally combining all its characteristics or particulars;

a construct. (www.dictionary.com)

 Framework

A skeletal structure designed to support or enclose something. (www.dictionary.com)

 Concept Map

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 A diagram showing the relationships among concepts, with the concepts drawn in
rectangular boxes, which are connected with labelled arrows that denote the
relationships between concepts, such as "is a", "gives rise to", "results in", "is required
by," or "contributes to". (www.yourdictionary.com)

 Theory

A proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural and subject to

experimentation, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as
reporting matters of actual fact. (www.dictionary.com)

 Graph

A diagram representing a system of connections or interrelations among two or more

things by a number of distinctive dots, lines, bars, etc. (www.dictionary.com)

 Paradigm

An example serving as a model; pattern; a framework containing the basic

assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology that are commonly accepted by
members of a scientific community. (www.dictionary.com)

Pre-test
IV. Read each question carefully and write the letter of your answer on the space
provided before each number.

___________1. It abstractly describes and names an object or phenomenon, thus providing

it with a separate identity or meaning.

a. Concept c. Theory

b. Construct d. Framework

___________2. A set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that explains or

predicts events or situations by specifying relations among variables. It also presents a
systematic way of understanding events, behaviors and/or situations.

a. Concept c. Theory

b. Conceptual Framework d. Theoretical Framework

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___________3. It is either a graph or narrative material that explains the main things to be
studied about in your research, the key factors, concepts and variables and the presumed
relationship/s among them.

a. Concept c. Theory

b. Conceptual Framework d. Theoretical Framework

___________4. How do you differentiate a conceptual framework from a theoretical

framework?

a. Conceptual framework clarifies concepts and variables; Theoretical framework proposes

relationships among them in a study.
b. Conceptual framework provides context for interpreting the study findings; Theoretical
framework finds meaning in the context of the study.
c. Conceptual framework provides meaning of the research; Theoretical framework
encourages theory development that is useful to practice.

d. Conceptual framework provides the broad outline plan to carry out the research on the
basis of the theories, principles, or generalizations proven true by facts and logical
reasoning; Theoretical framework provides the basis or foundation of the research.

___________5. In writing the conceptual framework of a research study, you need to:

a. Base the contents of the conceptual framework only on experts’ understanding of the
elements and of the relationships of the research features.

b. Finalize your research title.

c. Let others read your conceptual framework for comments or feedback for
improvement purposes.

d. See to it that all aspects of the conceptual framework are broad and unrelated to the
objective of the research.

Learning Activities
V. Before learning about conceptual framework, you must first take an
understanding of the following words:
CONCEPT

 A mental image of an object or phenomenon.

 Building block of a framework.

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  Abstractly describes and names an object or phenomenon, thus providing it with a
separate identity or meaning.

 An intellectual representation of some aspect of reality that is derived from

observations made from phenomena.

2 TYPES OF CONCEPT

 CONCRETE CONCEPT

A measurable concept ( blood pressure, height, weight)

 ABSTRACT CONCEPT

Concepts at a very high level of abstraction that have general meaning

(pain, stress, caring, anxiety)

CONSTRUCT

 Highly abstract and complex concept that is deliberately constructed by researchers

for specific purposes.

 This is formed when the meaning of the concept is modified by limiting the concept to
certain observable, measurable characteristic which maybe tested

Examples:

Concept: The concept of Pain

Construct: Lumbosacral Pain

Concept = A book

Construct = 300 pages Nursing

Research Book

THEORY

A theory is a set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that explains or predicts
events or situations by specifying relations among variables. It presents a systematic way of
understanding events, behaviors and/or situations.

DEFINITION OF A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Owing to the cognitive-based nature of this scholarly academic work called research, you need
a certain scheme or detailed plan or system to explain the components of the research

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including the relationships o f various research features. Wanting to make clear the ins and
outs of your research in a nutshell, you resort to making a conceptual framework of your study.

A conceptual
framework is a
written or visual
presentation that
explains either
graphically or in
narrative form the
main things to be
studied about in
www.web.stanford.edu
your research, the
key factors, An Example of a Conceptual Framework

concepts and variables and the presumed relationship/s among them. It is a graph or non-
prose material, specifically, a schematic diagram that shows a well-ordered elements of the
research. Giving a carefully constructed arrangement of the components of your study,
conceptual framework is a broad outline or plan to give shape to your research. (Shields &
Rangarjan, 2013)

PURPOSES OF A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Conceptual framework shows the organization, order, and direction of your research
study. It is an essential initial activity of your research because by means of a schematic
diagram, explained verbally as well, it enables the readers to obtain a general understanding
of the research. It gives
people a notion on the
research activities you
want to perform, on the
manner you want to carry
these activities out, and
on the knowledge you
have to prove your
familiarity with your
research topic or
research problem. It also
www.medium.com serves the purpose of

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clarifying concepts and their relationships with one another in a research study.

In summary, conceptual framework’s purposes in a research study are:

 To clarify concepts and variables and propose relationships among them in a study;

 To provide a context for interpreting the study findings;

 To encourage theory development that is useful to practice.

DEFINITION OF A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

A theory in the form of a model or paradigm that serves as the basis for the study.

 Discussion of one theory or interrelated theories being tested in order to support the
rationale in conducting the study.
 The foundation to which the researcher builds upon his study.
 If a relationship is found between two or more variable, a theory should be formulated
to explain why the relationship exists.

www.hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.ed
An Example of a Theoretical Framework

PURPOSES OF A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

1. To test theories

2. To make research findings meaningful and generalizable

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3. To establish orderly connections between observations and facts

4. To stimulate research

CONCEPTUAL
FRAMEWORK VS THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK

All your plans, concepts, or ideas about the many aspects of your research are shown and
clarified graphically and verbally in the conceptual framework. However, looking so broad or
numerous, all components of the study, concrete and abstract, are not extensively and
thoroughly explained by the conceptual framework. Hence, there is the theoretical framework
that gives and explains the theories, principles, generalizations, and research findings, which
have some connection to your research study.

Conceptual framework enables the readers to clearly see in their minds the basic structure of
the research and the relationships of variables and other factual things involved in the study.
Theoretical framework, on the other hand, makes people know and understand evidence-
based truths, concepts, speculations, and assumptions underlying each aspect of the
research and the relationships of these research features with one another.

An in-depth knowledge of the theoretical principles governing or controlling the things involved
in the research makes you think well and accurately of the varied aspects of your study;
thereby, giving you the chance to have a better view of not only the main problem of your
research but also of its other components. You get to read in the theoretical framework the
basis or foundation of the research; in the conceptual framework, the broad outline plan to
carry out the research on the basis of the theories, principles, or generalizations proven true
by facts and logical reasoning. (Shields & Rangarjan, 2013; Walliman, 2014)

HOW TO MAKE A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK?

Made up of varied figures: lines, circles, boxes, and other marks or symbols representing your
concepts on these varied features of your research—research question, review of related
literature, research methodology, and variables, among others—a conceptual framework
looks like a map showing the main features of a plan or project plus the relationship between
or among the features or variables in the research. Through the proper connection of lines
and pointing of arrows to boxes and other codes symbolizing your concepts about the
research, the readers are able to visualize a comprehensive picture of your study.

Before you prepare your conceptual framework, you need to do the following things:

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 CHOOSE YOUR TOPIC

Choose a topic that you consider can be comprehensively achieved within the
resources that you have and within the time you are allotted.

MAKE YOUR RESEARCH QUESTION

Research question has to be specific. The exact aspects of who, what, where,
how, and why have to be clearly laid out. This is where one of the most
important aspects of your conceptual framework will come in. The research
question is a clear and arguable question which is where your research will revolve. A reason
why the research question is an essential part of your conceptual framework and your overall
research, this is what puts the focus and path of your study.

CONDUCT A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The purpose of having a literature review is to let you and your readers
know about the existing ideas and information there are on your chosen
topic; and as well as the weak and strong points of it. When doing the review
of literature, you should remember it should be: connected to the topic; synthesize the results
of the publications you’ve read; and recognize the areas where there is a lack of information
or insufficient evidence to prove the claim. By having a review of literature, this narrows down
what you will be putting in your conceptual framework.

CHOOSE YOUR VARIABLES

Identify and pinpoint the variable/s that has been discussed in the
publications you’ve studied and try to make a connection or decipher how
they are linked.

It is important that you only choose the most important variables as not
all of them will be significant; as you must have read much scientific literature, you should be
able to discern the important ones by this point. And when creating a conceptual framework,
it would be best not to choose too many variables, since putting too many in a conceptual
framework will be confusing. Though, it is also not a good idea to choose too few variables or
else your study might be too simple. As also mentioned in the previous step, you have to find
the right level of intricacy in your study that will fit within your resources and time allocation.

CHOOSE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

Now that you have chosen your variables, you have to choose how these
variables are related to one another. Given that you have already read much
literature on your topic, you should already be able to define how each of

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 your variables is connected to one another. This is especially important to note as this will
largely impact how your conceptual framework will look like once you start making the
diagram.

CREATE THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Now that you have achieved all the previous steps, the final step is to
illustrate the diagram. How you illustrate the diagram will differ on a case
to case basis, but generally, variable names have to be laid out clearly
and put into rectangles, variables have to be connected with lines and
arrows, and the arrowheads will differ depending on the nature of the relationships.

Single head arrows are for relationships that are one-

A B directional (i.e. A affects B and B does not affect A)

Double-headed arrows are for relationships that are 2

A B directional (i.e. A affects B and B also affects A).

Lines do not have to be limited to connecting only 2 variables

A B
(i.e. A and B). Some relationships can be between more

C variables (i.e. A affects B and also C)

CONCRETE PRACTICE
Let’s try to make a concrete example to have a clearer idea on the process of
making a conceptual framework.
1. CHOOSE YOUR TOPIC

I am interested to know what affects the satisfaction of the customers of SM Hypermarket-

Daet. My goal is to be able to know what specific parts of the business can influence
customers’ experience.

2. MAKE YOUR RESEARCH QUESTION

The research question I can formulate is “What affects customer’s satisfaction of Jollibee
Daet?

3. CONDUCT A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

I read up on different publications related to food establishments, specifically food chains, and
customer satisfaction. From here, I can already have an idea of the variables I can pinpoint
from those publications that have been proven to affect customer satisfaction.

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4. CHOOSE YOUR VARIABLES

With all the books, scholarly articles, and researches I have gone through, it can be
determined that there are three (3) main variables, namely: food taste, speed of service, and
staff performance. Customers are very much concerned with the taste of the product. The
amount of time it takes to serve them also affects how pleased or displeased they are. Lastly,
the performance of the staff that serves also affects their experience.

5. CHOOSE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

I was able to determine that the 3 variables: food taste, speed of service, and staff
performance, are determining factors of customer satisfaction.

6. CREATE THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

The factors determining customers’ satisfaction will be described in the research in terms of
three sub-variables: (a) food taste; (b) speed of service; and (c) staff performance. In the
research, this variable is seen to possess a hypothesized relationship with customer
satisfaction. This hypothesized relationship is represented by three-branched arrow with its
head connecting all the (independent) sub-variables to the dependent variable.

POINTERS IN WRITING A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

1. Familiarize yourself with the objective of the conceptual framework.

2. Base the contents of the conceptual framework on your own understanding of the elements
and of the relationships of the research features.

3. See to it that all aspects of the conceptual framework are related to the objective of the
research.

4. Let others read your conceptual framework for comments or feedback for improvement
purposes.

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 VI. Practice Tasks
Show that you have learned something by doing these activities.

Practice Task #1: Explain the

meaning of conceptual framework.

Instruction: On the lines provided, without going back to the reading material on conceptual
framework, write a short composition (at least five sentences) discussing what conceptual
framework is and its purpose in a research.

__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Practice Task #2: Clarify the difference between
__________________________________________________________________________
a conceptual framework and a theoretical
_________________________________________________________________________
framework.
Instruction: Decide whether each set of words make up a conceptual or a theoretical
framework. Put a check mark (/) on the line under your correct answer.

CONCEPTUAL THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK FRAMEWORK

1. Relationship of variables ______________ ______________

2. Language has a social basis ______________ ______________

3. Einstein’s ideas on nuclear energy ______________ ______________

4. Conducting pre-test and post-test ______________ ______________

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5. Analysis of rhetorical patterns ______________ ______________

6. Reading as a psycholinguistic game ______________ ______________

7. Universe formation through explosion ______________ ______________

8. Seeing the link between the Science

book and the CHED syllabus ______________ ______________

9. Syllabus as the blueprint of the

course ______________ ______________

10. Testing the effects of Ebola virus

on rats ______________ ______________

Practice Task #3: Write a conceptual framework applying the guidelines

on writing a conceptual framework.

Instruction: Follow the step by step guidelines in writing a conceptual framework on the topic
given below.

1. CHOOSE YOUR TOPIC

The advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones among the students of BCI.

2. MAKE YOUR RESEARCH QUESTION

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

3. CHOOSE YOUR VARIABLES

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

4. CHOOSE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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5. CREATE THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

VII
Post-test
.
General Direction: Write the correct answer on the space provided.

Test I: Multiple Choice

___________1. A written or visual presentation that explains either graphically or in narrative

form the main things to be studied about in your research, the key factors, concepts and
variables and the presumed relationship/s among them.

a. Concept c. Theory

b. Conceptual Framework d. Theoretical Framework

___________2. An aspect of research which makes people know and understand evidence-
based truths, concepts, speculations, and assumptions underlying each aspect of the
research and the relationships of these research features with one another.

a. Concept c. Theory

b. Conceptual Framework d. Theoretical Framework

___________3. Conceptual framework shows the following aspects of your research study,
EXCEPT:

a. Direction c. Order

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 b. Conclusion d. Organization

___________4. What is the main difference of a conceptual framework from a theoretical

framework?

a. Conceptual framework clarifies concepts and variables while theoretical framework

proposes relationships among them in a study.
b. Conceptual framework provides the broad outline plan to carry out the research on the
basis of the theories, principles, or generalizations proven true by facts and logical
reasoning while theoretical framework provides the basis or foundation of the research.

c. Conceptual framework provides context for interpreting the study findings while
theoretical framework finds meaning in the context of the study.
d. Conceptual framework provides meaning of the research while theoretical framework
encourages theory development that is useful to practice.

___________5. Which of the following is the correct arrangement of the steps in constructing
a conceptual framework?

a. II, VI, IV, III, I, V b. II, VI, V, III, I, V

b. II, IV, VI, III, I, V d. II, VI, IV, I, III, V
I. CHOOSE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
II. CHOOSE YOUR TOPIC
III. CHOOSE YOUR VARIABLES
IV. CONDUCT A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
V. CREATE THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
VI. MAKE YOUR RESEARCH QUESTION

Test II: Concept Explanation

1. Why should a research be given a conceptual framework?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

2. Suppose the research has no conceptual framework, what would the consequences be?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

3. Compare and contrast conceptual and theoretical framework.

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES:

Books

Baraceros, E. (2016) Practical Research 2 First Edition. Rex Bookstore, Inc.

Baraceros, E. (2016) Teacher’s Resource Marterial. Rex Bookstore, Inc.

Online Dictionaries

Concept. (2020). Dictionary.com.

Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/concept?s=t

Framework. (2020). Dictionary.com.

Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/framework?s=t

Concept-Map. (2020). Dictionary.com.

Retrieved from https://www.yourdictionary.com/concept-map

Theory. (2020). Dictionary.com.

Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/theory?s=t

Graph. (2020). Dictionary.com.

Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/graph?s=t

Concept. (2020). Dictionary.com.

Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/paradigm?s=t

Multimedia Resources

Ramas (N.D). Concept of science tech tree with icons vector image. Retrieved from
https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-education-tree-icon-books-global-concept-hand-
vector-file-layered-easy-manipulation-custom-coloring-image32018633#res26615551

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Example of a Conceptual Framework [Digital Image] (N.D). Retrieved from
https://web.stanford.edu/group/ncpi/unspecified/student_assess_toolkit/conceptualModels.h
tml

Research Framework Metaphor [Digital Image] (N.D). Retrieved from

https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/what-is-a-research-framework-2479283235b9

Nave, R. Example of a Theoretical Framework. [Digital Image] (N.D). Retrieved from

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Newt.html

Regoniel, P. (2015). Conceptual Framework: A Step by Step Guide on How to Make One [Blog
post]. Retrieved from https://simplyeducate.me/2015/01/05/conceptual-framework-guide/

Tucker, C. (2018, August 22). Middle School Writing Rubrics [Blog post]. Retrieved from
https://catlintucker.com/2018/08/middle-school-writing-rubrics/

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