Definition of Conceptual Framework

The term conceptual framework is used basically in the field of investigation with scientific character. By conceptual framework is understood the general representation of all the information that is handled in the research process.

Different sections in any investigation

To carry out an investigation on something, certain basic concepts must be handled in an orderly fashion. In the first place, it starts with the statement of the problem that is going to be addressed. Next, the researcher must state his hypothesis work, that is, your proposal, the solution that seeks to explain the problem. From this point on, the methodology (which can be based on the Deductive method, inductive or a combination of both). Next, a series of objective data that support the initial hypothesis is handled and the data obtained is put to the test (the moment of testing of the hypothesis). There are other sections that make up this complex process: the use of bibliography, background of the problem and the fundamentals theoretical (the laws and theories involved in the research task), as well as some final results and conclusions. In this way, all these elements are intertwined and make up a general conceptual framework.

The conceptual framework becomes a representation graph It is usually presented in the form of a tree or a diagram and that provides an overview of a specific study. In other words, it is a work guide that allows you to understand the sections of an investigation and how they are related to each other.

Clarification of some related terms

There are a series of terms similar to the one we analyze here: theoretical map, framework and concept map. It is worth trying to clarify these terms, as they can easily be confused.

Typically concept framework and concept map are used synonymously. If we talk about theoretical framework we mean the paradigm that encompasses a series of general laws and theories (for example, the theory of Evolution is the general theoretical framework for most scientific explanations in the field of biology). Regarding the frame of reference, it refers to the set of information used by a researcher to carry out his research in a certain area.

The meaning of these terms so similar to each other is relevant because without a definition approximate of each of them the researcher cannot order knowledge in a way coherent. On conclusion, the term conceptual framework allows us to understand and locate the object of study, just as the frame of a painting is what allows us to understand a painting as a whole.

Photo: iStock - Imgorthand