Building a Conceptual Framework: Philosophy, Definitions, and Procedure

TLDR

Concepts comprise defined components, and a conceptual framework is a network or plane of linked concepts. The paper proposes a new qualitative method for constructing conceptual frameworks for phenomena linked to multidisciplinary knowledge. The method involves redefining key terms—concept, conceptual framework, and conceptual framework analysis—and applying grounded theory to provide a procedure for theorizing and building conceptual frameworks. Conceptual framework analysis offers flexibility, modifiability, and an emphasis on understanding rather than prediction.

Abstract

In this paper the author proposes a new qualitative method for building conceptual frameworks for phenomena that are linked to multidisciplinary bodies of knowledge. First, he redefines the key terms of concept, conceptual framework, and conceptual framework analysis. Concept has some components that define it. A conceptual framework is defined as a network or a “plane” of linked concepts. Conceptual framework analysis offers a procedure of theorization for building conceptual frameworks based on grounded theory method. The advantages of conceptual framework analysis are its flexibility, its capacity for modification, and its emphasis on understanding instead of prediction.