2. Framework Development and Research Objectives
Chapter 4
Framework Development and Research Objectives

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

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

7. Theoretical Framework
Types of variables
Dependent
Independent
Moderating
Intervening
Components of Theoretical Framework

8. Theoretical Framework

9. Theoretical Framework with Intervening Variable

10. Theoretical Framework with Moderating Variable

11. Research Objectives 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

12. 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