Constructing a Conceptual Framework

A conceptual framework is crucial because it clarifies the relationships among

variables and guides the research process. This worksheet focuses on constructing a
conceptual framework, which is the least mastered competency, to provide a "road map" for
the study and ensure all components are aligned. It helps identify key variables, explain their
interactions, and supports the validity of the research by grounding it in existing theories and
empirical studies. By mastering this skill, students will be better equipped to design coherent
and robust research studies.

Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explain the conceptual framework of a study.

2. Construct a conceptual framework using their working title.
3. Write a statement of the problem (SOP) from the conceptual framework they have
created.

Lesson 1: Understanding Conceptual Frameworks

Definition:

A Conceptual Framework is a schematic structure that illustrates the variables and their
indicators to be studied. It explains and represents how these variables might relate to each
other, based on concepts, empirical research, and important theories. It serves as a "road
map" that guides the researcher toward realizing the objectives of the study.

Parts of a Conceptual Framework:

1. Textual Description: A detailed explanation of the variables and their relationships.

2. Visual Representation: Also known as the research paradigm, it is a visual depiction
of how the variables interact.

Lesson 2: Constructing Your Conceptual Framework

Step 1: Identify Your Research Topic

 Begin with a clear and concise statement of your research topic.

Example: The impact of social media on academic performance.

Step 2: Identify the Main Variables

 Determine the key variables in your study.

o Independent Variable (IV): The variable that is manipulated or changed.
 o Dependent Variable (DV): The variable that is measured or affected.
o Mediating/Moderating Variables (if any): Variables that influence the
relationship between the IV and DV.

Example:

 IV: Social Media Usage

 DV: Academic Performance
 Mediating Variable: Study Habits

Step 3: Describe the Relationships (Textual Description)

 Explain how the variables are related based on your understanding and review of
literature.

Example: This study aims to examine the relationship between social media usage and
academic performance among high school students. It will investigate how study habits
mediate this relationship.

Step 4: Create a Visual Representation (Research Paradigm)

 Draw a diagram that visually represents the relationships between the variables.

Example:

[Social Media Usage] ----> [Study Habits] ----> [Academic Performance]

Lesson 3: Writing the Statement of the Problem (SOP)

Step 1: Formulate Research Questions

 Based on your conceptual framework, write specific questions that your study aims to
answer.

Example:

1. How does social media usage affect the academic performance of high school
students?
2. What role do study habits play in the relationship between social media usage and
academic performance?

Step 2: Write the Statement of the Problem

 Combine your research questions into a coherent statement that outlines the problem
your study will address.
Example: This study seeks to understand the impact of social media usage on the academic
performance of high school students and to explore the mediating role of study habits.

Follow the steps below to complete Parts 1 and 2 of the worksheets. Use the example
provided as a guide.

Part 1: Constructing a Conceptual Framework

1. Identify Your Research Topic

o Think about the main idea or focus of your research.
o Write a clear and concise statement of your research topic.

Example: Research Topic: The impact of social media on academic performance.

Write your research topic here.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

2. List Down the Main Variables of Your Study

o Identify the key variables involved in your research.
 Independent Variable (IV): The variable that you believe will cause an
effect.
 Dependent Variable (DV): The variable that you believe will be
affected.
 Mediating/Moderating Variables (if any): Variables that might
influence the relationship between the IV and DV.

Example:

o Independent Variable: Social Media Usage

o Dependent Variable: Academic Performance
o Mediating Variable: Study Habits

List your main variables here.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

3. Describe How These Variables Might Relate to Each Other (Textual Description)
o Explain the relationships between the variables based on your understanding
and review of literature.
o This description should clearly outline how you think the variables interact.

Example: This study aims to examine the relationship between social media usage
and academic performance among high school students. It will investigate how study
habits mediate this relationship.

Write your textual description here.

 _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

4. Create a Visual Representation (Research Paradigm) of the Relationships

Between These Variables
o Draw a diagram that visually represents how the variables relate to each other.
o This can be done on paper, using drawing software, or any other method that
clearly shows the relationships.

Example:

[Social Media Usage] ----> [Study Habits] ----> [Academic Performance]

Draw your diagram here or attach a separate sheet with your visual representation.

Part 2: Writing the Statement of the Problem (SOP)

1. Based on Your Conceptual Framework, Write a Statement of the Problem

o Use the relationships you described and visualized in Part 2 to formulate
specific research questions.
o Combine these questions into a coherent statement that outlines the problem
your study will address.

Example: This study seeks to answer the following questions:

o How does social media usage affect the academic performance of high school
students?
o What role do study habits play in the relationship between social media usage
and academic performance?

Write your Statement of the Problem here.

 _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Example for Reference

Research Topic: The impact of social media on academic performance.

Main Variables:

 Independent Variable: Social Media Usage

 Dependent Variable: Academic Performance
 Mediating Variable: Study Habits

Textual Description: This study aims to examine the relationship between social media
usage and academic performance among high school students. It will investigate how study
habits mediate this relationship.

Research Paradigm (Visual Representation):

[Social Media Usage] ----> [Study Habits] ----> [Academic Performance]

Statement of the Problem: This study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. How does social media usage affect the academic performance of high school
students?
2. What role do study habits play in the relationship between social media usage and
academic performance?

Additional Exercises

1. Revisit Your Research Objectives and Ensure They Align with Your Conceptual
Framework
o Check that your research objectives are consistent with the relationships and
variables identified in your conceptual framework.
2. Review Empirical Research or Theories Related to Your Study to Further Refine
Your Conceptual Framework
o Look up existing research or theories to see how they align with your
conceptual framework and make adjustments if necessary.

Tips for Success

 Be clear and concise in your textual description.
 Ensure your visual representation accurately reflects the relationships you described.
 Align your SOP with the identified variables and their relationships.