Chapter 4 Framework Development and Research Objectives Chapter

Chapter 4 Framework Development and Research Objectives

Chapter Objectives • Differentiate between concepts and variables • Trace and establish the links among concepts/variables and evolve a conceptual/theoretical framework • Develop a Research Question • Develop a Set of Hypotheses • Apply what you have learned to a research project

The Need for a Framework The conceptual/theoretical framework is a logically developed, described and elaborated network of associations among concepts or variables deemed relevant to the problem situation.

Concepts and Variables A Concept • an idea expressed as a symbol or in words • Conceptual framework A Variable • Can be observed and measured • Theoretical framework

The Conceptual Framework 1. Concepts raised in preliminary investigation 2. Concepts difficult to operationalise 3. Defines the concepts as clearly as possible 4. Shows possible links among concepts 5. Often indicates qualitative research

Theoretical Framework 1. Types of variables • • Dependent Independent Moderating Intervening 2. Components of Theoretical Framework

Theoretical Framework

Theoretical Framework with Intervening Variable

Theoretical Framework with Moderating Variable

Research Objectives 1. Research Question • Where concepts cannot be clearly defined • Identifies issues that will be investigated • Describes the concepts that will be the focus of the research • Usually qualitative research

Research Objectives (cont. ) • Research Hypothesis • A logically conjectured relationship between two or more variables expressed in the form of a testable statement • Propositions or If-Then statements • Null Hypothesis • Alternate Hypothesis