Are you finding it difficult to create a conceptual framework for your research project? Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll discuss how to construct an Input-Process-Output (IPO) conceptual framework that can guide your STEM research. Just follow these steps:
- Identify the Output
Firstly, you need to determine what output or dependent variable is relevant to your research question. For instance, if your research revolves around the effects of different types of fertilizer on plant growth, your output would be a measure of plant growth (such as length).
- Pinpoint the Inputs
Visualize your output as the product of a machine. What ingredients need to be fed into this machine to generate the output? These elements are your inputs. In our example, the inputs would be the different types of fertilizer you intend to test. You can also consider the amount of fertilizer added.
- Describe the Process
Next, you need to describe the machine, which is the process that generates the output from the inputs. In our given example, the process would be the act of planting the seeds and applying different types of fertilizer.
- Consolidate Everything Into a Figure
Finally, you should consolidate all the identified outputs, inputs, and processes into a single figure. This figure is your Input-Process-Output (IPO) conceptual framework. The process should be placed in the center of the figure, with the inputs on the left, and the output on the right.
REMEMBER:
The output or dependent variable is the result you aim to discover in your research.
The inputs are the elements that you are manipulating or testing in your experiment.
The process is the method or steps you’re employing to obtain the output from the inputs.
Tanim Talino 