Educational Research

1. “Educate your child, they must live
in a time different from you”
Muhammad (PBUH)
Mrs. Samia Dogar
Associate Prof
Federal College Of Education H-9
Islamabad

2. The Conceptual
Framework
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3. Conceptual frameworks go by many
names; “model”, “conceptual model”,
“conceptual considerations”, “theoretical
considerations”, “theoretical
frameworks” etc.
Sometimes it is simply integrated into the
problem description, but in academic
proposals, conceptual frameworks are
usually presented in a separate section.
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4. • Although a conceptual framework may not always be required in a research
proposal or plan , no economic research should start without developing
one.
• There is more misunderstanding and confusion about the conceptual
framework than any other part of a research proposal (or project) or plan .
– What is it?
– What is the purpose?
– How is it approached?
• It is an integral part of understanding and analyzing the research problem or
plan.
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5.  The reasoning in the conceptual framework runs through the whole
proposalor plan .
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6.  The conceptual framework is often neglected, or done hastily and
inadequately
 Reasons for this might be that it requires complex reasoning and abilities
 Abstract reasoning
 Recognition and synthesis of central points
 Knowledge of existing relevant theory
 Understanding the details of a problem and the surrounding issues
 It is hard work and often frustrating
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7.  Another reason the conceptual framework is overlooked is that researchers
often want to get on with “real research” instead of “theorizing” (especially
in subject-matter and problem-solving research)
 However, failure to conceptualize while planning, may actually slow down
the research, or can lead to fatal errors in design, procedures or
interpretation.
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8. Role of the Conceptual Framework
• Concepts are generalizations. In economics, a
concept is “a logical, mental construction of
one or more relationships”.
• Concepts are inherently abstract and are
based on logic and reasoning. In economics,
concepts typically focus on relationships
between variables or between operational
steps.
• The primary purpose of the conceptual
framework is to lead to hypotheses or steps
that are subject to testing
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9. Source Material for the Conceptual
Framework: Theories
• Which theory is relevant? The relevant
theory will provide insights into one or
more of the following issues:
– Sources of the research problem or plane
– Possible solutions to the problem
– Relevant variables or steps
– Relationships involved in analyzing the
problem
– Hypotheses to be tested
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10. Hypotheses and Hypothesis Testing
• A primary function of the conceptual
framework is to lead to hypotheses
relevant to the research problem.
Hypotheses result from the reasoning done
in the conceptual framework.
• Hypotheses need to be testable and
refutable.
• Hypotheses are tentative assertions that
are subject to testing.
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11.  Three difficulties people often have in developing hypotheses are:
1. Absence of a clear theoretical framework
or absence of theory
2. Inability to use the framework logically to
see the hypotheses within
3. Failure to understand research techniques
that allow the hypotheses to be tested
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12. Operational Suggestions
• Keep a clear focus on the primary purpose
of the conceptual framework – to analyze
the research problem.
• A good way to start is to use simple
conceptual models, and then build on
them to the complexity and sophistication
necessary.
• This can be a useful approach for all kinds
of research, policy analysis, and problem
solving.
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13. The following steps may be useful in developing
the conceptual model:
1) Study the research literature related to your
problem. How have others conceptualized
problems similar to yours? Are their conceptual
analyses adaptable to your framework?
2) Reduce the problem to the simplest set of
conditions. Sometimes you can “assume away”
parts of a complex problem to gain an initial
understanding.
3) Identify applicable economic theory. Consider a
wide range of economic theories in selecting the
most appropriate.
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14. 4) Start with a “base model” analysis. Based on
your literature review and basic assumptions,
start with a simple model (statistical,
graphical, mathematical …)
5) Expand the base model to other relevant
dimensions of the problem. Alter and relax
assumptions, then reanalyze the problem. This
will likely make the model more complex, but
remember, the goal is not complexity, but
rather, accurately addressing the problem.
6) Assemble relevant, testable hypotheses from
the conceptual analysis.
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15.  Examples
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16. Models that develop interlinked explanatory factors
Figure 6: A Conceptual Model of SBCD (Marsh, 2009)

17. What are the key elements of our
Conceptual Framework?
Vision is our
destination--our desired
result for all that we do.
Our Vision is our sense
of purpose, the
underlying reason why
we do what we do.
Our Vision is
Reflection in Action.

18.  Any Question
 For further discussion
 samia42001@yahoo.com