Conceptual Framework

This part of the thesis is where the writer digests for the reader.  Divides the variables into their components elements.  These elements are what make up each idea.  For example:  Federalism, what are its components?  According to Elazar it’s shared-rule, and self-rule.  Sometimes, the theory provided in the Theoretical Framework can already deliver these.  Sometimes, you’ll need more authors.  At least one for each of the two variables.

The elements identified should be discussed in detail.  And applied on how the thesis statement is working.  And since this part is an exercise of explaining ideas.  It is accompanied by a diagram called paradigm.  It is the Thesis Statement in diagram form.  A way to imagine the idea.

In making the paradigm, make sure that the following are identifiable:

• The two variables.
• The elements that compos each variable.
• The relationship of the two variables.
• The relationships of the elements.

These elements help in formulating the Statement of the Problem sub-questions.  In fact, the sub-questions and the Conceptual Framework should echo each other.

These same elements eventually become the parameters and/or indicators for the study.

Parameters provide a way of measuring.  For example, if one is talking about economic growth.  Then corollary to it is the question of what are the things that we need to measure that can mean that there is growth?  GDP?  Income?  Savings?

Indicators, are more qualitative.  They are another way of saying symptoms.  An example is social decay.  What are the things that should be noted to mean that there is social decay?  Presence of apathy?  Presence of vote abstention?

These elements should help as guides when formulating the research instrument which will be used in the methodology.