A preliminary or provisional articulation of a concept, employed during the initial stages of investigation, serves to guide the researcher’s focus and provides a tangible framework for data collection and analysis. As an example, when examining the impact of social media on political engagement, a scholar might initially define political engagement as active participation in online discussions and the sharing of political content, understanding this articulation may evolve as the study progresses.
This initial conceptualization is critical because it allows for a focused examination within a manageable scope. It offers a starting point for inquiry, preventing aimless data collection and fostering a more structured and efficient research process. Historically, reliance on such frameworks has permitted adaptation to emerging evidence, thereby ensuring the relevance and accuracy of findings. The utility lies in its ability to be refined as the research progresses, incorporating new insights and addressing unexpected challenges.
