ABSTRACT
Conceptualization is the process of developing a visual model of the research problem. A conceptual model is a general diagram that shows how variables and constructs are related to each other. It is based on observations and logic that display the hypotheses to be tested. Conceptual models are initial representations with limited theoretical support, while theoretical models are more developed and based on a strong theoretical foundation. A conceptual model becomes a theoretical model when sufficient literature and/or qualitative research are available to conclude that the theoretical framework can be used to understand and explain the relationships between the variables. The three basic research designs are defined: exploratory, descriptive, and causal. The difference between cross-sectional and longitudinal research studies is explained.
