The Conceptualisation of a Research Study in Language Education

Abstract

In a recent paper about the role of the theoretical framework in educational research (Troudi, 2010) I addressed the nature of this framework and how it is used to state the researchers’ view of the theories that inform his/ her understanding of the constructs involved in the study. Also known as conceptual framework (Holiday, 2002), it should not be confused with the researcher’s methodology or the overall paradigmatic nature of the study. In this paper I will address these research concepts and provide a research strategy for novice researchers to distinguish between these abstract terms in educational research. The paper will also provide examples from my own work to illustrate the first stages in the conceptualisation of a study.