Lesson 3
Conceptual Framework-Building Reason and Rigor
START
Teacher Notes
Teacher Notes
Purpose
Adapters Vs Adopters
Resource Requirements
Lesson Resources
Lesson Focus
Lesson Focus
Students will explore the research conceptual framework and arguments for research based on reason and rigor.
start
Index
What is a research conceptual framework?
Why is a conceptual framework important?
A Starting Point...
Engagement
What's next?
What is a research conceptual framework?
Metaphors: Conceptual Framework
Reflective Questions
Notes&Task
What is a conceptual framework?
Why is a conceptual framework imporant?
Argument Examples
Reflective Questions
The conceptual framework supports the establishment of the for your research design!
argument
Engagement
Social Media Research
Task: Why it matters?
Teacher Notes
A Starting Point.....
Need help considering why your topic matters?
Questions to Contemplate
Teacher Notes
What's next?
Explore the resources in Step 3 to further examine the research conceptual framework then explore research design in Step 4.
Tas Idea
Lesson completed!
If you have questions or doubts, please reach out at irml@kennesaw.edu
Reflective Questions: Reconsider the following question based on the diagram reflecting the conceptual framework's purpose.
1. How might a conceptual framework help you in AP Research?
To explain why a research topic matters effectively, one should address its relevance and potential impact on a specific field and beyond.
By thoughtfully addressing these questions, researchers can effectively communicate the importance of their work and its potential to make a meaningful difference.
What is the core issue or problem the research addresses? What specific problem or challenge does your research aim to solve or illuminate? Is this problem a significant one within the field or a real-world issue? What happens if this problem is not addressed? How does the research contribute to existing knowledge? What are the current gaps in understanding related to this topic? How does your research fill those gaps? Does your research refine or add to existing theories, or test hypotheses within a specific area of study? How does your work compare with that of other key researchers in the field? What makes it unique? Does it open up new perspectives or challenge existing beliefs, offer new data, or interpretations of existing knowledge?
Who will benefit from the research findings? Who is the primary audience for this research? Are there other groups or individuals (e.g., policymakers, practitioners, general public) that could benefit from these findings? What are the potential practical, social, or policy implications of the research? Why is this research timely and relevant? Does this research relate to a current issue or debate within the field or in the wider world? Are there recent developments or unanswered questions that make this research particularly significant at this moment? Does this research relate to a current issue or debate within the field or in the wider world? What are the potential impacts and applications of the research?
Beyond contributing to academic knowledge, how might this research be used in practice? Could it lead to new technologies, products, or services?
Could it inform policy decisions or improve current practices in relevant fields? Does it address important societal challenges or concerns, locally or globally?
An argument about why the topic of a study matters, and why the methods proposed to study it are appropriate and rigorous.
Note: These examples may be helpful if students need additional scaffolding or to compare their responses during class discussion. The literature review should support the reasoning for their study, and this introduction is a practice. The highlighted sections indicate the reason for the study: Why it matters.
Impact of Social Media Algorithms: Social media algorithms can create echo chambers and filter bubbles, potentially increasing political polarization and reducing exposure to diverse perspectives. This study will examine how social media algorithms influence users' information environments and contribute to political division. Social Media and Political Campaigns: Social media has become a key part of political campaigns, providing new ways to reach voters and influence public opinion. This research will assess how effective social media campaigns are at affecting voting behavior and explore the ethical issues involved in using social media for political mobilization. Social Media and Body Image: Social media platforms often showcase idealized and unrealistic body images, which can lead to body dissatisfaction and unhealthy eating habits. This study will explore the connection between social media use and body image concerns, especially among adolescent girls. Social Media and Consumer Behavior: Social media has become a powerful tool for marketing and advertising, shaping consumer preferences and purchasing choices. This research will examine how social media marketing strategies influence consumer behavior and brand loyalty.
Social Media Addiction: The rising rate of social media addiction, especially among teenagers, raises concerns about its effects on academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being. This research will examine the factors that contribute to social media addiction and its impacts. Cyberbullying and Mental Health: Cyberbullying on social media has become a major problem with lasting negative effects on victims' mental health. This study will explore how common cyberbullying is and its impact on self-esteem, social anxiety, and overall psychological health. Spread of Misinformation: The spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media threatens public health, political stability, and social cohesion. This research will examine how misinformation spreads on social media and explore ways to reduce its impact.
Task: Defining a Research Conceptual Framework
Task: Why it matters?
Relevance in Research: Why it matters?
Practice justifying the relevance of research; explain Why it matters. 1. Read, View, & Analyze (in any order)- the data, trailer, and news headlines/articles about social media. You may use the headlines in isolation or a combination of headlines and articles based on your interests and time constraints. 2. Role- assume the role of a teen, parent, school administrator, state congress or senate represenative, influencer, non-profit organization leader, marketer, or business owner. 3. Review - the data, trailer, and news headlines/articles about social media from your role's perspective. 4. Craft- a statement (1-2 sentences) about why social media research matters from your role's perspective using at least two sources provided to inform your statement. Use the examples from the previous slide as a guide. 5. Share- your statement with a partner, group, or the class. 6. Reflect- Why do you think it is important for researchers to explain why their research matters?
Relevance in research is essential because it determines whether the study's findings are meaningful, applicable, and impactful for the target audience and the wider field. It makes sure that research efforts are valuable, providing useful knowledge and addressing real-world needs.
Note: As you work through Hopscotch 4-AP Research, your conceptual framework will evolve, and you will construct an argument for your research using insights from your literature review, research design, and methods. You will draw on what you already know to explain why your study's topic matters and why the methods you propose to study it are appropriate and rigorous.
An argument about why the topic of a study matters, and why the methods proposed to study it are appropriate and rigorous.
Study Example: The Effectiveness of a New Educational Intervention Why it matters:
Educational interventions can significantly impact student learning and achievement. Assessing the effectiveness of a new intervention is crucial for understanding its potential to enhance academic outcomes and inform future educational strategies. Why the methods are appropriate:
A randomized controlled trial (RCT), in which participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group or a control group, is a rigorous method for assessing the effectiveness of an intervention. RCT design reduces bias and enables causal inferences about the intervention's impact.
Study Example: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Why it matters:
AI is quickly transforming various industries, including healthcare. Understanding how AI is integrated into healthcare, along with its benefits, challenges, and potential effects on patient care, is crucial for shaping the future of healthcare delivery. Why the methods are appropriate:
A qualitative case study approach, focusing on specific hospitals or clinics using AI technologies, would be suitable. Examining real-world examples of AI implementation through interviews with healthcare professionals and patients.
Task: Defining a Research Conceptual Framework
To explain why a research topic matters effectively, one should address its relevance and potential impact on a specific field and beyond.
By thoughtfully addressing these questions, researchers can effectively communicate the importance of their work and its potential to make a meaningful difference.
What is the core issue or problem the research addresses? What specific problem or challenge does your research aim to solve or illuminate? Is this problem a significant one within the field or a real-world issue? What happens if this problem is not addressed? How does the research contribute to existing knowledge? What are the current gaps in understanding related to this topic? How does your research fill those gaps? Does your research refine or add to existing theories, or test hypotheses within a specific area of study? How does your work compare with that of other key researchers in the field? What makes it unique? Does it open up new perspectives or challenge existing beliefs, offer new data, or interpretations of existing knowledge?
Who will benefit from the research findings? Who is the primary audience for this research? Are there other groups or individuals (e.g., policymakers, practitioners, general public) that could benefit from these findings? What are the potential practical, social, or policy implications of the research? Why is this research timely and relevant? Does this research relate to a current issue or debate within the field or in the wider world? Are there recent developments or unanswered questions that make this research particularly significant at this moment? Does this research relate to a current issue or debate within the field or in the wider world? What are the potential impacts and applications of the research?
Beyond contributing to academic knowledge, how might this research be used in practice? Could it lead to new technologies, products, or services?
Could it inform policy decisions or improve current practices in relevant fields? Does it address important societal challenges or concerns, locally or globally?
How Social Media May Benefit Teens’ Mental Health. 2/16/24 -Education Week
Parents urged to teach kids about drug dangers on social media. 3/18/25- Dallas Nexstar
Note: Click to read pulsing headlines.
From pulpit to post: How TikTok is reshaping faith for Ghana’s Gen Z. -6/25/25 -The Africa Report
Tackling social media’s impact on teens’ mental health. As teenagers grapple with identity and peer relationships online, the importance of teaching media literacy and healthy social media habits has never been more crucial. 6/25-South China Morning Post
My social media is helpful and positive. Here is how yours can be, too. 11/6/24 -CNN
How Social Media Promotion of Vaping Targets Teens 11/22/24-Yale School of Medicine
Instagram makes teen accounts private as pressure mounts teen accounts will be private by default, and sensitive content will be limited. 9/17/24 -Aljazeera
Nearly half of US teens say they are online ‘almost constantly,’ survey finds. 12/12/24 -Fox News
The married 91-year-olds using Instagram to preserve Gujarati culture 7/19/25- BBC News
USF study reveals how smartphones may benefit kids, risks of posting publicly to social media. 3/25/25- USF
Reducing social media use significantly improves body image in teens, young adults. 2/23/23-APA
Teens say their experience on social media is better than you think. Here’s why.2/16/22 -CNN
BRAZIL: Top court reaches majority on social media liability. 6/12/25- LatinNews
The Dangers of Digital Media on Society and the Human Brain: Disinformation, Misinformation, Fake News, and Pseudoscience Threaten Us All.4/13/25- Psychology Today
The End of Fact-Checking Increases the Dangers of Social Media
More disinformation and “toxic material” is likely on platforms, Fletcher School professor argues. 1/23/25 -Tufts Now
What is ‘sharenting’? How parents could be harming their kids on social media. 9/25/24- CNN
Social media addiction linked to cyberbullying. 3/30/21-UGA Today
Most teens use social media, but lack skills to protect themselves | Data
Premium
While more than 90% use social media, only about 50% know how to block their profile or make their account private. 2/1/24 -The Hindu
Digital footprints and the dangers of just being a kid: Terms and Conditions 4/7/25 -The Daily Free Press
How will the federal government's under-16s social media ban work? Here's what we know. 7/30/25- Australian Broadcasting Company
The conceptual framework is a system of concepts, assumptions, expectations,
and beliefs used to argue the relevance and rigor of the study and guide the research design. It includes key elements: personal connections to the research topic, problem statement, topical research (literature review), theoretical frameworks, and the research design.
Task: Defining a Research Conceptual Framework
Global User Statistics
Reflective Questions: Consider the following prompt and question based on the metaphors for a research conceptual framework.
1. Define a research conceptual framework in your own words. 2. How might a research conceptual framework help you in AP Research?
Lesson 3-Conceptual Framework-Building Reason & Rigor
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Transcript
Lesson 3
Conceptual Framework-Building Reason and Rigor
START
Teacher Notes
Teacher Notes
Purpose
Adapters Vs Adopters
Resource Requirements
Lesson Resources
Lesson Focus
Lesson Focus
Students will explore the research conceptual framework and arguments for research based on reason and rigor.
start
Index
What is a research conceptual framework?
Why is a conceptual framework important?
A Starting Point...
Engagement
What's next?
What is a research conceptual framework?
Metaphors: Conceptual Framework
Reflective Questions
Notes&Task
What is a conceptual framework?
Why is a conceptual framework imporant?
Argument Examples
Reflective Questions
The conceptual framework supports the establishment of the for your research design!
argument
Engagement
Social Media Research
Task: Why it matters?
Teacher Notes
A Starting Point.....
Need help considering why your topic matters?
Questions to Contemplate
Teacher Notes
What's next?
Explore the resources in Step 3 to further examine the research conceptual framework then explore research design in Step 4.
Tas Idea
Lesson completed!
If you have questions or doubts, please reach out at irml@kennesaw.edu
Reflective Questions: Reconsider the following question based on the diagram reflecting the conceptual framework's purpose.
1. How might a conceptual framework help you in AP Research?
To explain why a research topic matters effectively, one should address its relevance and potential impact on a specific field and beyond.
By thoughtfully addressing these questions, researchers can effectively communicate the importance of their work and its potential to make a meaningful difference.
What is the core issue or problem the research addresses? What specific problem or challenge does your research aim to solve or illuminate? Is this problem a significant one within the field or a real-world issue? What happens if this problem is not addressed? How does the research contribute to existing knowledge? What are the current gaps in understanding related to this topic? How does your research fill those gaps? Does your research refine or add to existing theories, or test hypotheses within a specific area of study? How does your work compare with that of other key researchers in the field? What makes it unique? Does it open up new perspectives or challenge existing beliefs, offer new data, or interpretations of existing knowledge?
Who will benefit from the research findings? Who is the primary audience for this research? Are there other groups or individuals (e.g., policymakers, practitioners, general public) that could benefit from these findings? What are the potential practical, social, or policy implications of the research? Why is this research timely and relevant? Does this research relate to a current issue or debate within the field or in the wider world? Are there recent developments or unanswered questions that make this research particularly significant at this moment? Does this research relate to a current issue or debate within the field or in the wider world? What are the potential impacts and applications of the research? Beyond contributing to academic knowledge, how might this research be used in practice? Could it lead to new technologies, products, or services? Could it inform policy decisions or improve current practices in relevant fields? Does it address important societal challenges or concerns, locally or globally?
An argument about why the topic of a study matters, and why the methods proposed to study it are appropriate and rigorous.
Note: These examples may be helpful if students need additional scaffolding or to compare their responses during class discussion. The literature review should support the reasoning for their study, and this introduction is a practice. The highlighted sections indicate the reason for the study: Why it matters.
Impact of Social Media Algorithms: Social media algorithms can create echo chambers and filter bubbles, potentially increasing political polarization and reducing exposure to diverse perspectives. This study will examine how social media algorithms influence users' information environments and contribute to political division. Social Media and Political Campaigns: Social media has become a key part of political campaigns, providing new ways to reach voters and influence public opinion. This research will assess how effective social media campaigns are at affecting voting behavior and explore the ethical issues involved in using social media for political mobilization. Social Media and Body Image: Social media platforms often showcase idealized and unrealistic body images, which can lead to body dissatisfaction and unhealthy eating habits. This study will explore the connection between social media use and body image concerns, especially among adolescent girls. Social Media and Consumer Behavior: Social media has become a powerful tool for marketing and advertising, shaping consumer preferences and purchasing choices. This research will examine how social media marketing strategies influence consumer behavior and brand loyalty.
Social Media Addiction: The rising rate of social media addiction, especially among teenagers, raises concerns about its effects on academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-being. This research will examine the factors that contribute to social media addiction and its impacts. Cyberbullying and Mental Health: Cyberbullying on social media has become a major problem with lasting negative effects on victims' mental health. This study will explore how common cyberbullying is and its impact on self-esteem, social anxiety, and overall psychological health. Spread of Misinformation: The spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media threatens public health, political stability, and social cohesion. This research will examine how misinformation spreads on social media and explore ways to reduce its impact.
Task: Defining a Research Conceptual Framework
Task: Why it matters?
Relevance in Research: Why it matters?
Practice justifying the relevance of research; explain Why it matters. 1. Read, View, & Analyze (in any order)- the data, trailer, and news headlines/articles about social media. You may use the headlines in isolation or a combination of headlines and articles based on your interests and time constraints. 2. Role- assume the role of a teen, parent, school administrator, state congress or senate represenative, influencer, non-profit organization leader, marketer, or business owner. 3. Review - the data, trailer, and news headlines/articles about social media from your role's perspective. 4. Craft- a statement (1-2 sentences) about why social media research matters from your role's perspective using at least two sources provided to inform your statement. Use the examples from the previous slide as a guide. 5. Share- your statement with a partner, group, or the class. 6. Reflect- Why do you think it is important for researchers to explain why their research matters?
Relevance in research is essential because it determines whether the study's findings are meaningful, applicable, and impactful for the target audience and the wider field. It makes sure that research efforts are valuable, providing useful knowledge and addressing real-world needs.
Note: As you work through Hopscotch 4-AP Research, your conceptual framework will evolve, and you will construct an argument for your research using insights from your literature review, research design, and methods. You will draw on what you already know to explain why your study's topic matters and why the methods you propose to study it are appropriate and rigorous.
An argument about why the topic of a study matters, and why the methods proposed to study it are appropriate and rigorous.
Study Example: The Effectiveness of a New Educational Intervention Why it matters: Educational interventions can significantly impact student learning and achievement. Assessing the effectiveness of a new intervention is crucial for understanding its potential to enhance academic outcomes and inform future educational strategies. Why the methods are appropriate: A randomized controlled trial (RCT), in which participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group or a control group, is a rigorous method for assessing the effectiveness of an intervention. RCT design reduces bias and enables causal inferences about the intervention's impact.
Study Example: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Why it matters: AI is quickly transforming various industries, including healthcare. Understanding how AI is integrated into healthcare, along with its benefits, challenges, and potential effects on patient care, is crucial for shaping the future of healthcare delivery. Why the methods are appropriate: A qualitative case study approach, focusing on specific hospitals or clinics using AI technologies, would be suitable. Examining real-world examples of AI implementation through interviews with healthcare professionals and patients.
Task: Defining a Research Conceptual Framework
To explain why a research topic matters effectively, one should address its relevance and potential impact on a specific field and beyond.
By thoughtfully addressing these questions, researchers can effectively communicate the importance of their work and its potential to make a meaningful difference.
What is the core issue or problem the research addresses? What specific problem or challenge does your research aim to solve or illuminate? Is this problem a significant one within the field or a real-world issue? What happens if this problem is not addressed? How does the research contribute to existing knowledge? What are the current gaps in understanding related to this topic? How does your research fill those gaps? Does your research refine or add to existing theories, or test hypotheses within a specific area of study? How does your work compare with that of other key researchers in the field? What makes it unique? Does it open up new perspectives or challenge existing beliefs, offer new data, or interpretations of existing knowledge?
Who will benefit from the research findings? Who is the primary audience for this research? Are there other groups or individuals (e.g., policymakers, practitioners, general public) that could benefit from these findings? What are the potential practical, social, or policy implications of the research? Why is this research timely and relevant? Does this research relate to a current issue or debate within the field or in the wider world? Are there recent developments or unanswered questions that make this research particularly significant at this moment? Does this research relate to a current issue or debate within the field or in the wider world? What are the potential impacts and applications of the research? Beyond contributing to academic knowledge, how might this research be used in practice? Could it lead to new technologies, products, or services? Could it inform policy decisions or improve current practices in relevant fields? Does it address important societal challenges or concerns, locally or globally?
How Social Media May Benefit Teens’ Mental Health. 2/16/24 -Education Week
Parents urged to teach kids about drug dangers on social media. 3/18/25- Dallas Nexstar
Note: Click to read pulsing headlines.
From pulpit to post: How TikTok is reshaping faith for Ghana’s Gen Z. -6/25/25 -The Africa Report
Tackling social media’s impact on teens’ mental health. As teenagers grapple with identity and peer relationships online, the importance of teaching media literacy and healthy social media habits has never been more crucial. 6/25-South China Morning Post
My social media is helpful and positive. Here is how yours can be, too. 11/6/24 -CNN
How Social Media Promotion of Vaping Targets Teens 11/22/24-Yale School of Medicine
Instagram makes teen accounts private as pressure mounts teen accounts will be private by default, and sensitive content will be limited. 9/17/24 -Aljazeera
Nearly half of US teens say they are online ‘almost constantly,’ survey finds. 12/12/24 -Fox News
The married 91-year-olds using Instagram to preserve Gujarati culture 7/19/25- BBC News
USF study reveals how smartphones may benefit kids, risks of posting publicly to social media. 3/25/25- USF
Reducing social media use significantly improves body image in teens, young adults. 2/23/23-APA
Teens say their experience on social media is better than you think. Here’s why.2/16/22 -CNN
BRAZIL: Top court reaches majority on social media liability. 6/12/25- LatinNews
The Dangers of Digital Media on Society and the Human Brain: Disinformation, Misinformation, Fake News, and Pseudoscience Threaten Us All.4/13/25- Psychology Today
The End of Fact-Checking Increases the Dangers of Social Media More disinformation and “toxic material” is likely on platforms, Fletcher School professor argues. 1/23/25 -Tufts Now
What is ‘sharenting’? How parents could be harming their kids on social media. 9/25/24- CNN
Social media addiction linked to cyberbullying. 3/30/21-UGA Today
Most teens use social media, but lack skills to protect themselves | Data Premium While more than 90% use social media, only about 50% know how to block their profile or make their account private. 2/1/24 -The Hindu
Digital footprints and the dangers of just being a kid: Terms and Conditions 4/7/25 -The Daily Free Press
How will the federal government's under-16s social media ban work? Here's what we know. 7/30/25- Australian Broadcasting Company
The conceptual framework is a system of concepts, assumptions, expectations, and beliefs used to argue the relevance and rigor of the study and guide the research design. It includes key elements: personal connections to the research topic, problem statement, topical research (literature review), theoretical frameworks, and the research design.
Task: Defining a Research Conceptual Framework
Global User Statistics
Reflective Questions: Consider the following prompt and question based on the metaphors for a research conceptual framework.
1. Define a research conceptual framework in your own words. 2. How might a research conceptual framework help you in AP Research?