Managing Research: Developing conceptual framework

Thinking in research happens at the conceptual level. In order to be clear and robust in our thinking, the ideas, concepts and understanding that are developed through the research process need to be organized. Our conceptualization is developed through literature review, writing, discussion, feedbacks and self-reflection. This organized conceptualization is called a conceptual framework and it is the basis for defining and scoping down our research questions/objectives, choosing the methodology and the starting point of our data analysis. This presentation explores the constant conceptualization that happens throughout the research process. In particular, the role and position that the conceptual framework plays in different stages of research activities are discussed. A research case or example will be used to describe how the conceptualization occurs in the research setting and how the development of conceptual framework helps the research process