Research Framework Template (Variables and Hypotheses)

Mermaid code

flowchart LR
    subgraph IV[Independent variables]
        X1[Independent variable 1]
        X2[Independent variable 2]
    end
    M[Mediator]
    Y[Dependent variable]
    W([Moderator])
    X1 -- H1 --> M
    X2 -- H2 --> M
    M -- H3 --> Y
    IV -- H4 --> Y
    W -. H5 .-> M

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Draw a research framework (conceptual model) in Mermaid flowchart LR syntax. Independent variables: [IV 1, IV 2], grouped in one subgraph. Mediator: [mediator]. Dependent variable: [DV]. Moderator: [moderator], drawn as a rounded node with a dotted arrow. Label each arrow with its hypothesis: [IV 1 → mediator H1, IV 2 → mediator H2, mediator → DV H3, IVs → DV H4, moderator on the IV–mediator path H5]. Output only the mermaid code block.

FAQ

How is a research framework different from a research roadmap?

The framework shows how variables relate and answers "what is studied"; the roadmap shows the order of the work and answers "how it is studied". Empirical theses usually need both: the framework in the hypotheses section, the roadmap in the introduction. The template library has roadmap templates too.

Where should the moderator arrow point?

Strictly it points at the middle of the arrow it moderates. Mermaid cannot end an arrow on another arrow, so this template points it at the end variable and marks it with a dotted line and rounded node; say "H5 moderates the X–M path" in the caption.

The figure is crowded with many variables. What can I do?

Change the first line to flowchart TB for a vertical layout, or group variables of the same dimension in a subgraph and draw a single arrow from the group (for example IV -- H4 --> Y), which removes many lines.