The document discusses conceptual frameworks and provides guidance on how to write one. It emphasizes that a conceptual framework should [1] logically grow out of the literature review, [2] lead to the methodology and rationale, and [3] connect to all aspects of the inquiry. It also recommends [3] using APA heading levels to present the components of the conceptual framework in an organized, hierarchical manner.

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Conceptual (Theoretical)
Frameworks
Conceptual/Theoretical
Organizers
Framework The key ideas that
organize and shape
October 16 2010
16, your thinking
thinking.
A Conceptual (Theoretical) Conceptual (Theoretical)
Framework Framework
Should grow logically out of your literature Conceptual frameworks attempt to
review. connect to all aspects of inquiry (e.g.,
Should lead to your methodology and provide problem definition, purpose, literature
a rationale for why you are proceeding in a review, methodology,
review methodology data collection and
particular way. analysis).
Conceptual frameworks should act like
maps that give coherence to your inquiry.
Put Another Way… A Sample Conceptual
A Conceptual Framework… Framework
Explains key constructs and terms,
introduces or clarifies any theoretical
models
Situates your work within prior theory
and research on the question.
Identifies the phenomena you propose
to analyze and the justification for
studying them.
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Academic Disciplines Are… Writing a Conceptual
Framework
Begin with an introductory paragraph
introducing the elements of the
THEORY
Communities (Ideology
Discourse
conceptual framework.
Epistemology)
E i t l )
of Communities
Practice PRACTICE
Conclude with a summation that
(Pedagogy)
helps review the need for your study
and transitions to the methodology
you will use.
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Formatting Can Help You
Conceptual Framework Think!
When purpose and framework are Use APA levels of headers to present
aligned, other aspects of the research the components of your conceptual
such as methodological choices and framework.
statistical techniques become simpler
to identify.
Why did you approach your problem
in THIS particular way?
Using Levels of Headers Using Levels of Headers
Heading Levels use formatting to APA heading style has 5 formatting styles
communicate a hierarchy of ideas for Based on level of subordination
readers. Page 62
Topics of equal importance should have
f BUT…NO
BUT NO BOLD within the MS!!! (Thi is a
ithi th (This i
same heading level throughout a MS. requirement of Graduate Studies, not APA.)
So…for your dissertation, use modified APA!
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APA Heading Levels For Example…Chapter 1
1. Centered, Uppercase and Lowercase Chapter Titles = Level 1 (Centered,
Heading Uppercase and Lowercase Heading)
Introduction
2. Flush Left, Uppercase and Lowercase
Heading Problem Statement
Purpose and Significance
3. Indented, lowercase paragraph heading Research Questions
with a period. Overview of Methodology
Limitations and Delimitations
4. Indented, italicized, lowercase paragraph Organization of the Dissertation
heading with a period.
For Example…Chapter 1 For Example…Chapter 2
Title = Level 1 (Centered, Uppercase and Title = Level 1
Lowercase Heading) Introduction: Heading optional
Introduction: Heading optional Review of Literature = Level 2
Problem Statement = Level 2 Sub headings that group your sources Level 3
sources--Level
Purpose and Significance = Level 2 Theoretical/ conceptual framework = Level 2
Research Questions = Level2 Sub headings that group the parts of your framework=
Level 3
Overview of Methodology = Level 2
Summary = Level 2
Limitations and Delimitations = Level 2
Organization of the Dissertation = Level 2
Conceptual Framework
Subheadings Suggestion!
Are your categories tied to the research Find and read several conceptual/ theoretical
questions? frameworks in Ed.D. leadership dissertations
Do you have at least one category per to get a sense of how they might look.
research question?
Are your descriptors based on the literature?
Do they make sense?
Did you forget any descriptors?
Are your descriptors in the best order?
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