期刊名称：The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa
印刷版ISSN：1817-4434
电子版ISSN：2415-2005
出版年度：2020
卷号：16
期号：1
页码：9-17
DOI：10.4102/td.v16i1.758
出版社：AOSIS
摘要：Research in the social sciences is concerned with complex social behaviour, group dynamics and unique human settings. Researchers have different patterns of thought and modes of thinking. As such, they often use different words to explain phenomena, thereby causing conceptual confusion. This article explains how conceptual frameworks can help overcome such confusion by serving as visual organising tools and mental maps to direct and guide research. By using a descriptive approach, the article aims firstly to outline the necessity, purpose, nature and scope of conceptual frameworks in social science research and, secondly, to provide a ‘how-to’ guide on the design of such a framework by exploring a practical example. The results illustrate conclusively the significant contribution that conceptual frameworks can and should make in social science research.
关键词：concepts; constructs; conceptual framework; social sciences; theoretical framework; research; conceptualisation; literature review.
