What best describes a conceptual framework?

A conceptual framework is best described as a visual or written representation that depicts the relationships between various variables within a study. It serves as a guide to help direct research by illustrating how different concepts, constructs, or variables interact and influence one another. This framework provides a structured way of thinking about the complexities of the subject matter, allowing researchers to build hypotheses and design their studies more effectively. By clearly outlining these relationships, a conceptual framework aids in understanding the theoretical underpinnings of the research and helps communicate findings to others.

While other options touch on important aspects of research and theory, they do not encapsulate the essence of a conceptual framework as effectively. A theory about human behavior focuses more on explaining specific phenomena rather than illustrating variable relationships. A summary of research findings is meant to distill results rather than lay out a framework for understanding relationships. Lastly, a systematic method for conducting experiments refers to the procedural aspects of research rather than the framework that guides theoretical understanding. Thus, a visual or written representation of relationships between variables is the defining characteristic of a conceptual framework.