One of the frequently asked questions in Thesis/Research Coach of this blog is how to develop a framework — conceptual and theoretical — for a thesis outline. Here’s the advice I have always given my own thesis students …
A framework is simply the structure of the research idea or concept and how it is put together. A conceptual framework elaborates the research problem in relation to relevant literature. This section may summarize the major (dependent and independent) variables in your research. The framework may be summarized in a schematic diagram that presents the major variables and their hypothesized relationships. It should also cover the following:
•Existing research and its relevance for your topic
•Key ideas or constructs in your approach
•Identify and discuss the variables related to the problem.
•Conceptualized relationships between variables
Independent variables (presumed cause)
Dependent variables (presumed effect)
Intervening variables (other variables that influence the effect of the independent variable)
•Present a schematic diagram of the relationships between key variables and discuss the relationship of the elements/variables
•Statement of hypotheses
A framework is simply the structure of the research idea or concept and how it is put together. A conceptual framework elaborates the research problem in relation to relevant literature. This section may summarize the major (dependent and independent) variables in your research. The framework may be summarized in a schematic diagram that presents the major variables and their hypothesized relationships. It should also cover the following:
•Existing research and its relevance for your topic
•Key ideas or constructs in your approach
•Identify and discuss the variables related to the problem.
•Conceptualized relationships between variables
Independent variables (presumed cause)
Dependent variables (presumed effect)
Intervening variables (other variables that influence the effect of the independent variable)
•Present a schematic diagram of the relationships between key variables and discuss the relationship of the elements/variables
•Statement of hypotheses