Establishing a Community of Practice - Conceptual Frameworks for HDR Candidates

Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol49 Issue36 16–20 September 2024

Focus:
A conceptual framework, or theory, is an articulation of the deep structure, system or set of patterns that may include the ontological and epistemological premises or conclusions which frame the research problem space. Many HDR candidates have problems comprehending, developing, expressing, or using a conceptual framework in their research. Few textbooks on research address the issue at any depth.

The Conceptual Frameworks project, of research and educational development to support research students (and supervisors), is being designed which will:

1. Consider theories of conceptual frameworks and their current application in research
2. Develop methods for conceptual analysis, framework construction, presentation, use, and evaluation
3. Create useful educational resources to support HDR students’ learning\  
4. Consider implications for related areas that depend on conceptual frameworks.

An opportunistic postscript about University House repairs and reopening:
Current repairs completion date estimate – November 2025; likely reopening – January 2026.