How to Make a Conceptual Framework

Coming up with a conceptual framework requires reading and understanding theories that explain relationships between
things. A comprehensive understanding of the research issue, therefore, can be achieved through an exhaustive review of
literature.
Since research or thesis writing involves the explanation of complex phenomena, there is a need to simplify or reduce the
complexity of the phenomena into measurable items called variables. Only a portion of the phenomena can be explained
at a time.
Example of Conceptual Framework
A researcher might want to test Lamarck's Theory of Use and Disuse. Basically the theory says that whatever
characteristic the organism acquires during its lifetime, this can be passed on to its offspring. And this trait is strengthened
or developed with constant use during its lifetime. Otherwise, the trait is lost.
The classic example used to illustrate this theory is the long neck of giraffes. Giraffes stretch their necks to reach the
leaves of tall, flat topped trees in the savanna. If they don't stretch their necks, then their necks would be shorter. And
these traits will be passed on to its offspring.
Two variables in this case may be used. These are the length of necks of giraffes and their habitat - a place where they
can stretch their necks to feed and a place where they need not do so.
The conceptual framework may be illustrated thus:

Independent and Dependent Variables

For any phenomenon, the independent variable is the cause while the dependent variable is the outcome. In the example
above, the independent variable is the type of habitat while the dependent variable is the length of the giraffe's
neck. Using a diagram to embody the conceptual framework, it is now easy to figure out what needs to be done to find out
if indeed the opportunities presented in the giraffe's habitat has something to do with the length of its neck. The
researcher can measure the giraffe's neck in two different habitats.

The investigation, of course, does not stop here because the researcher has also to find out if the trait of the giraffe
developed in its lifetime will be passed on to its offspring. Will the offspring have a long neck, probably longer and stronger
than its parent?
What the conceptual framework really does is to pin down the theory into something that the researcher can objectively
measure. This will help him test the validity of the claim, that is, the theory which arose from insights derived by a senior
scientist from observations or previous findings.
Final Notes
The making of a conceptual framework is an iterative process. This means that as a researcher or one engaged in thesis
writing becomes much more familiar with the issue or chosen topic, the variables incorporated in the conceptual
framework changes in order to capture the essence of the theories. For this reason, conceptual frameworks may not really
look as simple as illustrated above.
For more information on variables, read examples of variables from global to local perspective.
2012 July 30 Patrick A. Regoniel