Learning Objectives

Chapter overview and goals

By the end of this chapter, you will understand:

• What a conceptual framework is
• The roles and uses of a conceptual framework
• How a conceptual framework guides and grounds empirical research
• How you, as a researcher, can use a conceptual framework to build and refine your study
• How to construct your own conceptual framework
• The relationship between a conceptual and theoretical framework
• The difference between a literature review and a theoretical framework
• Each of the component parts of a conceptual framework and how they fit together
• The dynamic nature of conceptual frameworks
• The multiple possibilities for developing and representing conceptual frameworks in narrative and graphical form