Conceptual Framework Examples: IPO Model, Variable Diagrams and How to Draw One (2026)

8 original conceptual framework examples with IPO and independent–dependent variable diagrams, a theoretical vs conceptual framework table, and drawing tips.

Quick answer

A conceptual framework is a diagram, with a short explanation, that shows the variables of your study and how you expect them to connect. The two most common types are the Input–Process–Output (IPO) model and the independent → dependent variable model (sometimes with a moderating variable). It comes from your statement of the problem, while the theoretical framework is the existing theory your study rests on.

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What Is a Conceptual Framework?

A conceptual framework is a picture of your study. It shows the main variables (or concepts) and the arrows between them, followed by a short paragraph explaining the diagram. In Philippine Senior High School and college research, it usually appears at the end of Chapter 1 or Chapter 2 and is often called the research paradigm.

Updated October 2026.

A good conceptual framework lets a panelist understand your whole study in ten seconds: what you measure, from whom, and what relationship you test. It must match three other parts exactly:

Statement of the problem: every variable in your specific questions appears in the diagram, and nothing else.
Hypotheses: every arrow you test has a null hypothesis.
Instrument: every box can actually be measured by your survey, test or interview guide.

If you have not written your research questions yet, start with our statement of the problem examples. The framework is built from them.

Jump to: Theoretical vs conceptual · IPO model · Variable model · 8 examples · How to draw one · FAQ

Theoretical vs Conceptual Framework: What Is the Difference?

Students often mix these up because both are "frameworks" and both sit in the same chapter. The simplest way to remember it: the theoretical framework is someone else's theory; the conceptual framework is your own study.

For example, a study on study habits and grades might be anchored on Zimmerman's self-regulated learning theory (theoretical framework). The conceptual framework then shows the specific variables the researcher will measure: study habits (time management, note-taking, test preparation, concentration) → academic performance (GWA).

Theoretical framework vs conceptual framework
Feature	Theoretical framework	Conceptual framework
What it is	An existing, published theory that explains your topic	Your own map of the variables in this study
Who made it	Other researchers (e.g., a named theorist)	You, the researcher
Scope	Broad and general; applies to many studies	Narrow; applies only to your study
Form	Mostly paragraphs, with a citation	A diagram plus a short explanation
Comes from	Your review of related literature	Your statement of the problem and the theory
Contains	Concepts and propositions of the theory	Your measurable variables and their indicators
Needs a citation?	Yes	Cite the theory or studies behind it
Used in qualitative research?	Sometimes (as a lens)	Often, as a simpler diagram of key concepts

The Input–Process–Output (IPO) Model

The IPO model is the most common conceptual framework in Philippine student research, especially in Practical Research 2 and in capstone or thesis projects that develop a product, program or system. It has three boxes, plus an optional feedback arrow:

Input: what goes into the study. Usually the variables you measure (profile, levels of each variable), or the requirements and materials for a product.
Process: what you do to the input. Data gathering (survey, test, experiment), statistical treatment, or the development steps of a product.
Output: what comes out. The findings, a proposed intervention or action plan, or the finished product.
Feedback loop (optional): an arrow from Output back to Input, meaning the results can improve future inputs.

The IPO model is easy to draw and easy to defend. Its weakness is that it does not show the direction of a relationship between two variables very clearly. If your main question is "Is there a significant relationship between X and Y?", the independent → dependent variable model (next section) is often clearer. Ask your teacher which they prefer; many schools accept either.

The Independent → Dependent Variable Model

The independent–dependent variable (IV–DV) model shows boxes for each variable and an arrow pointing from the cause or predictor (independent variable) to the outcome (dependent variable). It is best for correlational, causal-comparative and experimental studies.

You can add two kinds of extra variables:

Moderating variable: changes the strength or direction of the relationship (e.g., sex or strand). Drawn as a box with an arrow pointing to the main arrow.
Mediating (intervening) variable: sits between the IV and DV and explains how the IV affects the DV (e.g., study habits → self-efficacy → grades). Drawn as a box in the middle of the chain.

Only add these if your statement of the problem actually tests them. A moderator in the diagram with no matching question is a common panel comment.

Below is the same running example from our quantitative research example, drawn as an IV–DV diagram. It is illustrative.

Conceptual Framework Examples Across Fields

Each example below is original and illustrative, written by our team to show structure. Each one lists the diagram boxes, then a sample explanation paragraph you can model yours on. Adapt the variables and indicators to your own study; base them on real studies you have read.

Example 1 (STEM, IV–DV): Screen Time and Sleep Quality

Explanation (sample): The framework shows screen time as the independent variable, measured by average daily hours on school days and weekends, and sleep quality as the dependent variable, measured by a sleep quality questionnaire. The arrow represents the relationship tested in specific question 4. Profile (age, sex, device) is shown as a moderating variable because the study tests whether the relationship differs by profile.

Example 2 (STEM, IPO, quasi-experimental): Game-Based Learning

Explanation (sample): The input is the pretest scores of the control and experimental groups. The process is four weeks of instruction (game-based for the experimental group, traditional for the control group), followed by a posttest and analysis with paired and independent t-tests. The output is the measured effect of game-based learning and a set of recommended classroom games.

Example 3 (STEM, experimental): Banana Peel Extract and Plant Growth

Explanation (sample): The independent variable is the concentration of banana peel extract at four levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%). The dependent variables are plant height and number of leaves after 30 days. Controlled variables (same soil, pot size, sunlight and watering) are listed so the reader knows what was kept constant. One-way ANOVA tests for differences among the treatments.

Example 4 (ABM, IV–DV with multiple predictors): Social Media Marketing

Explanation (sample): Three dimensions of social media marketing (content quality, influencer endorsement and online promotions) are independent variables, each with an arrow to purchase intention, the dependent variable. Multiple regression tests which dimension best predicts purchase intention. Drawing three separate IV boxes, rather than one, makes it clear that each dimension is tested on its own.

Example 5 (ABM, IPO, descriptive): Financial Literacy Program

Explanation (sample): The input is the respondents' profile and their level of financial literacy in budgeting, saving, borrowing and investing. The process is a survey analyzed with frequency, weighted mean and ANOVA. The output is a proposed financial literacy module for ABM students, based on the weakest areas found.

Example 6 (HUMSS, mediating variable): Parental Involvement and Reading

Explanation (sample): Parental involvement is the independent variable and reading comprehension is the dependent variable. Reading motivation is shown as a mediating variable, because the study tests whether parental involvement improves reading comprehension through higher motivation. Only include a mediator like this if you have a specific question and a statistical test for it (for example, mediation analysis with regression).

Example 7 (Qualitative): Lived Experiences of Working Students

Explanation (sample): Qualitative studies do not test relationships between variables, so the framework shows the key concepts the study will explore instead. Here, the central phenomenon (balancing work and studies) is explored through three areas that mirror the research questions: experiences, challenges and coping strategies. The expected output is themes and insights for students and the guidance office. See our qualitative research example for the full structure.

Central phenomenon — Balancing work and studies
Experiences — Daily routines, time use
Challenges — Fatigue, deadlines, finances
Coping strategies — Support systems, scheduling
Output — Themes and insights from thematic analysis

Example 8 (ICT / capstone, IPO): Library Attendance System

Explanation (sample): For development projects, the IPO model describes the system. The input is the knowledge and software requirements (user needs, hardware, programming language, database). The process follows a development model (planning, design, development, testing, evaluation with an ISO 25010-based questionnaire). The output is the working system and its evaluation results.

How to Draw a Conceptual Framework Diagram (Tips)

You do not need special software. Microsoft Word or Google Docs shapes, Canva, Google Drawings, PowerPoint or draw.io all work. What matters is clarity.

List your variables from the statement of the problem. Each variable in your specific questions becomes a box. Nothing extra.
Choose the model. Relationship or effect question → IV–DV. Product, program or system output → IPO. Qualitative → concept map of key areas.
Put indicators inside the boxes. Write the sub-variables (e.g., time management, note-taking) inside or under each box so the reader sees what you measure.
Draw arrows left to right (or top to bottom). Arrow direction = the direction you test. Use a two-way arrow only if you truly test no direction.
Keep it on one page and in black and white. Printed theses are often photocopied; colors disappear. Use the same font as your paper.
Label the figure. "Figure 1. Research Paradigm of the Study" or "Figure 1. Conceptual Framework," placed below the diagram.
Write a short explanation (one or two paragraphs). Name each box, say how it is measured, and say which arrow matches which specific question and hypothesis.
Cite the theory behind it. Mention your theoretical framework or the studies that used the same variables, so the panel knows your boxes are not random.

Common Mistakes in Conceptual Frameworks

Copying a framework from another study without changing it to match your own variables.
Variables in the diagram that are not in the SOP, or SOP variables missing from the diagram.
Arrows that imply cause in a correlational study. Explain in the text that you test a relationship, not causation.
Too many boxes and colors. A diagram that needs its own explanation page is too complex.
Confusing the theoretical framework with the conceptual framework, or skipping the theory entirely.
IPO output that is not a real output, such as "Output: Results". Name the actual deliverable: findings on the relationship, a proposed program, or a product.

To find the theory and studies behind your boxes, use the methods in our review of related literature example and how to write a literature review.

Find Real Studies That Measure Your Variables

Your indicators should come from published studies, not guesses. Search your variables on Ocean of Papers (free, across 250M+ papers from OpenAlex, PubMed, arXiv, bioRxiv, medRxiv and Europe PMC) and open legal free PDFs where available. Read how other researchers defined and measured the same variables, then cite them in your framework explanation.

Search "study habits academic performance" free. Click Citation map on a strong result to see related studies that used similar variables and theories. Learn more on our literature mapping tool page, or see where the framework sits in context in our Chapter 1 research example.

FAQ

What is an example of a conceptual framework?

A study on study habits and grades can use this framework: Independent variable, study habits (time management, note-taking, test preparation, concentration) → Dependent variable, academic performance (GWA). A short paragraph explains each box and says the arrow is the relationship tested with Pearson r.

What is an input process output example in research?

Input: the respondents' level of study habits and their GWA. Process: survey, registrar records, weighted mean, SD and Pearson r. Output: the relationship between study habits and GWA and a proposed study-skills program. A feedback arrow can link the output back to the input.

What is the difference between a theoretical and a conceptual framework?

The theoretical framework is an existing published theory your study is based on. The conceptual framework is your own diagram of the specific variables you will measure and how you expect them to relate. The theory supports the framework.

How do I make a conceptual framework diagram?

List the variables from your statement of the problem, choose the IPO or IV–DV model, draw a box for each variable with its indicators, add arrows for the relationships you test, label it "Figure 1", and write a one- or two-paragraph explanation.

Should I use the IPO model or the IV–DV model?

Use IV–DV for correlational, comparative or experimental studies that test a relationship or effect. Use IPO when the study produces something (a program, module, product or system), or when your teacher requires it. Many schools accept either.

Does qualitative research need a conceptual framework?

Often yes, but it is simpler. Instead of variables and arrows, it shows the central phenomenon and the areas you will explore (for example, experiences, challenges and coping), matching your research questions.

Where does the conceptual framework go in a research paper?

It depends on your school's template. In many Philippine research papers it is at the end of Chapter 2 after the theoretical framework; others put it in Chapter 1 before the statement of the problem.

Can I copy these conceptual framework examples?

Use them as models for structure only. Your framework must show your own variables, based on your own statement of the problem and real studies you have cited.