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Conceptual framework
 
 
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A conceptual framework is used in research to outline possible courses of action or to present a preferred approach to an idea or thought.

eptual frameworks (also called theoretical frameworks) are a type of intermediate theory that have the potential to connect to all aspects of inquiry (e.g., problem definition, purpose, literature review, methodology, data collection and analysis).






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A conceptual framework is used in research to outline possible courses of action or to present a preferred approach to an idea or thought.

In education

Conceptual frameworks (also called theoretical frameworks) are a type of intermediate theory that have the potential to connect to all aspects of inquiry (e.g., problem definition, purpose, literature review, methodology, data collection and analysis). Conceptual frameworks act like maps that give coherence to empirical inquiry. Because conceptual frameworks are potentially so close to empirical inquiry, they take different forms depending upon the research question or problem. Shields and Tajalli (2006) have identified several types of conceptual frameworks (working hypotheses, descriptive categories, practical ideal type, models of operations research and formal hypotheses) for the field of public administration. The frameworks are linked to particular research purposes (exploration, description, gauging, decision making and explanation/prediction). When purpose and framework are aligned other aspects of empirical research such as choice of methodology (survey, interviews, analysis of existing data, direct observation, focus groups etc) and type of statistical technique become obvious.

In accounting





Conceptual framework of accounting "seeks to identify the nature, subject, purpose and broad content of general-purpose financial reporting and the qualitative characteristics that financial information should possess". (Deegan, 2005, p.1184)

See also

  • Analogy
    Analogy

    Analogy is both the cognition process of transferring information from a particular subject to another particular subject , and a language expression corresponding to such a process....
  • Concept
    Concept

    A concept is a cognition unit of meaning— an abstraction idea or a mental symbol sometimes defined as a "unit of knowledge," built from other units which act as a concept's characteristics....
  • Conceptual object
  • Conceptual system
    Conceptual system

    A conceptual system is a system that is comprised of non-physical system Object s, i.e. ideas or concepts. In this context a system is taken to mean "an interrelated, interworking set of objects"....
  • Inquiry
    Inquiry

    Inquiry is any process that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, resolving doubt, or solving a problem. A theory of inquiry is an account of the various types of inquiry and a treatment of the ways that each type of inquiry achieves its aim....
  • Model
    Model (abstract)

    In mathematical logic, the formal languages, formal systems, and theory which are studied have no meaningful content until they are given an interpretation within some other system....
  • Ontology
    Ontology

    Ontology in philosophy is the study of the nature of being, existence or reality in general, as well as of the basic category of being and their relations....
  • Theory
    Theory

    For a more detailed account of theories as expressed in formal language as they are studied in mathematical logic see Theory A theory, in the general sense of the word, is an analytic structure designed to explain a set of observations....


Further reading

  • Kaplan, Abraham. (1964). The Conduct of Inquiry: Methodology for Behavioral Science. Scranton, PA: Chandler Publishing Co.
  • Botha, M.E. (1989), "Theory Development in Perspective: The Role of Conceptual Frameworks and Models in Theory Development", Journal of Advanced Nursing 14(1), 49–55.
  • Dewey, John. (1938). Logic: The Theory of Inquiry. New York: Hold Rinehart and Winston.
  • Shields, Patricia and Hassan Tajalli (2006), "Intermediate Theory: The Missing Link in Successful Student Scholarship," Journal of Public Affairs Education 12(3): 313-334. http://ecommons.txstate.edu/polsfacp/39/
  • Shields, Patricia (1998). "Pragmatism as a Philosophy of Science:A Tool for Public Administration," Research in Public Administration. Volume 4: 195-225. http://ecommons.txstate.edu/polsfacp/33/