Conceptual Framework Complete Guide

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Consider conceptual framework as a diagram depicting the relationship between various variables. On the other hand, the full explanation of a "conceptual framework" is longer and more detailed.

Researchers always specialize in a specific field of study. As a result, they create literary works in which they analyze and speculate on the interdependence of various aspects of the world. The best way for them to convey complex relationships is to use a conceptual framework diagram. In this article, we will look at everything you need to know about a Conceptual Framework. We will help you understand what a conceptual framework is, its components, and how you can easily draw one using EdrawMax.

Conceptual Framework cover

1. What is a Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework is a visual tool that helps you analyze and get a comprehensive understanding. This analytical tool can be used in different variations and contacts, so it is useful in many fields of work. It is commonly used to visually explain systems, relationships, concepts, and ideas in an organized way.

A conceptual framework can be in a graphical or narrative form, showcasing the key variables or constructs and the present relationship.

Conceptual Framework:

A Conceptual Framework is a visual picture representing a rack system commonly used by data centers. Making a server Conceptual Framework is an important part to consider as it will help you organize your rack equipment.

The Purpose of Using A Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework in research is used to show relationships between different ideas and how they relate to each other and the research study. Conceptual frameworks are commonly used in qualitative research in behavior rural and social sciences to fully understand the phenomena being studied.

The main purpose of a conceptual framework is to present the researcher's synthesis of literature and how to explain the concept so that the reader would understand it properly. Thus, the conceptual framework links concepts with empirical research and important theories that form the basis of the research conducted

2. Types of Conceptual Framework

Many types of conceptual frameworks have been identified on the basis of research purposes. Some common types of conceptual frameworks are:

Types' List

  1. Taxonomy
  2. Visual representation
  3. Mathematical description
  4. Working hypothesis
  5. Descriptive categories
  6. Pillar questions
  7. Practical type
  8. Models of operations research
  9. Formal hypothesis

1. Taxonomy

The practice and science of categorization or classification is known as taxonomy. A taxonomy chart is a classification scheme, particularly a hierarchical classification, that organizes things into groups or types.

2. Visual representation

Visual representations are images or texts that accompany the representation or demonstration of concepts. It is done to improve clarity and comprehension of the subject, idea, or concept.

3. Mathematical description

The mathematical description continues by performing a material balance at the membrane, where the solute build-up at the interface is balanced by the diffusive flux of solute away from the membrane.

4. Working hypothesis

A working hypothesis is a hypothesis that is tentatively accepted as the basis for further research in the hope of producing a tenable theory, even if the hypothesis ultimately fails.

Working hypothesis

Image Source: researchgate.net

5. Descriptive categories

A descriptive category is a broad classification, such as collection name, production company, or genre, that is used as the first part of a supplied title in the catalog to group moving image works together.

Descriptive categories

Image Source: researchgate.net

6. Pillar questions

A content pillar is a substantial and informative piece of content on a specific topic or theme that can be divided into numerous subsidiary sections, pieces, and materials. eBooks, reports, and guides are examples of content pillars.

7. Practical type

Here is a diagram of the different types of discontinuity, with removable, jump, and infinite discontinuity being the most common.

8. Models of operations research

The majority of operations research studies involve the development of a mathematical model. Operations research models are a collection of logical and mathematical relationships that represent aspects of the situation under investigation.

Models of operations research

Image Source: Sciencedirect.net

9. Formal hypothesis

The research hypothesis is an educated guess about how the research question will turn out. It should be written in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Descriptive categories

Image Source: researchgate.net

After knowing the types of conceptual framework, if you want to create your own conceptual framework, you can download EdrawMax and use the below templates now.

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3. Conceptual Framework vs. Theoretical Framework

3.1 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

The residents of our community can be empowered to use their skills and abilities to develop the community. They can build and transform a community by coming up with the different ways they contribute to other residents' betterment. For example, a stay at home mom who organizes a society fair or a firefighter who risked his life to keep the community safe is both community assets.

The theoretical framework and conceptual framework both are important for the research study. any research without a theoretical and conceptual framework makes it difficult for readers to understand the academic position and the underlying factors to the hypothesis and assertions made by the researcher. This makes this research unprofessional and sloppy.

Well-constructed research paper, however, is appreciated and contributes greatly to the advancement of knowledge. Although both are used interchangeably there are conceptual differences between the two frameworks.

The theoretical framework guides the research and determines what concepts to cover and how to measure them. It offers a general representation of the relationship between things and lies on a much broader scale of resolution. It dwells on already present and time-tested theories that comprise the findings of various researches.

On the other hand, the conceptual framework definition focuses on how the problem under research will have to be explored in a specific direction undertaken by the researcher. It describes the relationship between specific variables identified in the study and outlines the process of the whole investigation. Thus, in a conceptual framework, you develop conclusions or hypotheses based on your own theory instead of using the work of others.

3.2 Conceptual Framework vs. Theoretical Framework

Conceptual Framework:
  • It focuses on describing and organizing the existing knowledge base.

  • The conceptual framework includes a series of models that are related to one another.

  • In this framework, the relationship between the concepts is explicitly stated.

  • It helps you understand a given situation by breaking down that concept into smaller ones.

  • In a conceptual framework, you assume you understand what you are going to do, then research the best ways to accomplish it.

Theoretical Framework:
  • It focuses on creating new theories.

  • A theory is a theoretical explanation for how something works or describes how we perceive reality.

  • The theoretical framework explains what we don't know.

  • Theoretical frameworks help us discover or develop new ideas, methods, or techniques.

  • This framework is helpful in cases where the outcome is known, but you need to understand the process.

4. Conceptual Framework Examples

Examples' List

  1. DNP Conceptual Framework
  2. Website Conceptual Framework
  3. Conceptual Framework Fundamentals
  4. Conceptual Framework for Research
  5. Conceptual Framework Example

Example 1: DNP Conceptual Framework

As the given image shows, the DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practices) conceptual framework templates are beneficial in many ways to benefit the student, nurse educator, and patient. This conceptual framework template guides the nursing educator who intends to design and deliver DNP programs. The primary objective of a DNP Conceptual framework is to help a student practice nursing uniquely. The knowledge they get will be helpful in a different way and help them grow as human beings.

Each component in the Framework is defined as:

  • Core Learning Outcome
  • Competency
  • Attribute
  • Program Characteristic
  • Institutional Characteristic
  • Patient's Progress
  • Organizational Factor

In the context of these components, this conceptual framework template for a student assessment can be used to examine how concepts of caring, health promotion, disease prevention, and community advocacy influence the student's perception of the nurse educator. A conceptual framework is also a helpful guide for assessing a student's performance in the clinical setting. It can also be applied to evaluate the nurse educator's effectiveness in the classroom.

Example 2: Website Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework template helps you develop websites with less effort in website design. A website conceptual framework is a foundation for every new web project. It is a way to quickly describe how users will interact with the website and helps ensure your website will be a success. It would be best to have a conceptual framework before you start coding. If you use an excellent conceptual framework template, you can use less time and effort to make a perfect web design. Your Website Conceptual Framework is the blueprint for your website that will help you understand how you can easily design a user-friendly and functional website.

This Framework will give you an idea about the components of a website, such as the home page, navigation, services, and about pages. You can use this Framework when designing a website because you will know where to put things, and you will be able to keep everything organized in your head. A website concept is often thought to be an afterthought for businesses. However, it's the foundation for all websites and helps to establish a brand and identity for the company. It gives you a road map that lets you plan what you are doing, rather than just going off half-cocked into a mess. It will help you define your ideas and help you organize them-it will help you focus on what you want to do and why you want to do it.

Example 3: Conceptual Framework Fundamentals

A conceptual framework is a set of interrelated concepts, theories, and models explaining the phenomenon of interest to the researcher. In the given diagram, the primary question that keeps coming across is how the variables are related to each other and what factors are more influential in developing these variables? In the conceptual framework process, the following questions are asked: What does your audience need? What will attract them? Why do they care? How will your idea meet their needs? What will keep them interested? What's unique about your research? This is what we call "what," "how," and "why" questions. These three types of questions are crucial to the success of any concept.

The development of a conceptual framework requires the researcher to make decisions about the domains of study, the theory or theories to be tested, and the models or hypotheses to be used in testing those theories. The primary purpose of a conceptual framework is to define the main ideas and relationships between the various categories within a given area. By creating a coherent framework, researchers can visualize their concepts, understand where they are similar and different, identify connections, and create new ideas.

Example 4: Conceptual Framework for Research

The consumer internet shopping experience is a complex process that involves numerous variables. Variables include the user's attitude, beliefs, and attitudes towards the product, service provider, system quality, etc. The diagram above shows how consumer satisfaction in internet shopping is affected by several factors. The idea behind this diagram is that as the customer's experience improves, their satisfaction increases.

The information quality differential represents how much relevant information is available on a website. The system quality differential shows how well-managed the site is and whether it has effective customer support. The service quality differential displays how good customer service is at a given site, such as through email and chat features. These variables are interconnected since they are all part of an efficient user experience. The more satisfied the user is, the better their experience. All these variables together form a wholesome and satisfying customer experience for users who are interested in online shopping.

Example 5: Conceptual Framework Example

In the diagram given, there is a relationship between dependent, independent, and intervening variations in the stock market's growth. An economic model may be used to explain how a particular market works. A conceptual framework can also describe how something works or differs from others. It can also describe what something means or how it relates to other things. This conceptual framework template distinguishes the concepts and helps organize ideas related to business growth. Economists use the "supply" and "demand" conceptual framework templates to understand customer behaviors and decode incentive systems accordingly.

5. How to Write A Conceptual Framework?

As you can see, constructing a conceptual framework may be time-consuming and stressful, specifically if you do it manually. You will have to make a lot of calculations as well as sketch each object to proportion. Furthermore, developing it on paper would be costly, and you may eventually wind up with far too many mistakes. This may cause organizational issues. EdrawMax is an effective visual workstation application that comes with a plethora of designs, diagram styles, icons, and symbols. It can aid in the visualization of complicated designs for simpler comprehension. What's more, EdrawMax is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. To make a conceptual framework in EdrawMax, simply follow the steps below.

Step1 Open EdrawMax and Login

The very first step that you need to follow is to install EdrawMax in your system. Go to EdrawMax Download and download the conceptual framework software depending upon your operating system. If you need remote collaboration with your office team, head to EdrawMax Online and log in using your registered email address.

how to draw a conceptual framework

Step2 Select a Template

After launching, the Home screen opens by default. Head to the Template bar and search for conceptual framework in the search box. In-built templates specific to your search will appear on the screen. EdrawMax features a large library of templates. We have more than 25 million registered users who have produced thorough Templates Community for each design. Select the template you like and click Use Immediately to open it in a new window for customization.

how to draw a conceptual framework

Step3 Create From Scratch

From the EdrawMax homepage, you will find the '+' sign that takes you right to the canvas board, from where you can start designing the conceptual framework from scratch. Coupled with your technical expertise, you can use a wide range of symbols to draw a detailed conceptual framework.

how to draw a conceptual framework

Step4 Select Symbols

EdrawMax includes a large number of symbol libraries. You may quickly build any type of diagram with over 26,000 vector-enabled symbols. If you can't locate the symbols you need, you can easily import some images/icons or build your own shape and save it as a symbol for later use. Simply go to the 'Symbols' part of EdrawMax and select the 'Predefined Symbol' section from the top toolbar. Hundreds of symbol categories are accessible for you to utilize and incorporate into your conceptual framework.

how to draw a conceptual framework

Step5 Add Components

After you have sketched out the basic pieces, you may customize the typefaces, colors, and other details by selecting the right or top menu to make your conceptual framework design more visually appealing. Also, feel free to draw ideas from other layouts on Templates Community and transfer some of the photos or features that you think would go well with your conceptual framework design.

how to draw a conceptual framework

Step6 Finalizing the Plan

Once your conceptual framework is ready, you can collaborate with your team to consider their opinion using the Cloud-base files. EdrawMax allows up to 100M free cloud storage. It supports files in several formats, including HTML, PDF, Graphics, Visio, Microsoft Office, etc. It is not a complicated process to create a conceptual framework in EdrawMax. You can take a template and continue customizing it to suit whatever design you want. EdrawMax has several templates with fantastic designs for a conceptual framework for your organization.

how to draw a conceptual framework

Basically, it is simple to create a conceptual framework in EdrawMax, just grab a template and keep customizing, drag and drop professinal symbols to make your plan better.

6. Free Conceptual Framework Software

Drawing a Conceptual Framework on paper by hand is too complex and exhausting. And so are other online tools, which can also be difficult to use. You might miss some vital details or have too many errors when drawing on paper. That is why it is recommended to use EdrawMax, a professional and free Conceptual Framework software that is user-friendly and easy to use.

EdrawMax is an all-inclusive diagramming tool that you can use to create not only a Conceptual Framework but other graphical illustrations as well. With well-equipped rack symbols, fonts, and so much more, making server rack representations could be as simple as possible. Moreover, with EdrawMax, users can customize their diagrams and save their work in multiple formats.

The best EdrawMax features that can assist you in your Conceptual Framework:

  • EdrawMax Conceptual Framework software is compatible with multiple devices including Windows, Linux, and Mac devices. So, you can access diagrams online anywhere and at any time.
  • Over 280 types of diagrams including flowcharts, tree diagrams, mind maps, architectural diagrams, wiring plans, and more.
  • Export your work across a wide range of format options such as HTML, document formats like PowerPoint, Word, and PDF, image formats like PNG and JPEG and so much more.
  • EdrawMax has a huge library of customizable templates to meet everyone's needs. Professionals always update these templates with creative ideas.
  • Advanced user-friendly UI. You will feel right at home even with no experience in design. A complete set of symbols and general art tools to help you to tailor your drawings according to your liking.
  • Easy to draw an idea or an illustration. You can use any of the many options available to edit and modify your work endlessly.
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7. Final Thoughts

As you have seen above, a conceptual framework for drawing an office layout can help an architect visualize the finished building. The framework can also help an interior designer determine how the office spaces will flow. Drawing a concept plan for an office building layout requires a good knowledge of spatial relationships and a better understanding of the design principles behind the planned spaces. EdrawMax is a reputable professional software that you can use to create high-quality server diagrams and other visual representations. Unlike other designing software, EdrawMax is user-friendly and accessible across multiple platforms that can greatly help in designing the best Conceptual Framework!

The moment you start using EdrawMax, you will realize that the tool comes with several amazing features that ease your efforts in creating the Conceptual Frameworks and help you share the designs using the easy sharing option. With EdrawMax, you can export your file into multiple formats, and share your works on different social media platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. All in all, EdrawMax is a wonderful tool that caters to all of your designing and drawing needs.

Theoretical Framework image

Theoretical Framework Complete Guide

Check this article to know everything about the theoretical framework, like purpose of theoretical framework, the structure of theoretical framework , and how to make a theoretical framework.

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