Instructional Science

Design-based research (DBR) is a widely adopted methodology in the learning sciences. As an alternative to the conventional experimental studies in controlled lab settings, DBR recognizes the intricate dynamics of the naturalistic educational settings and distinguishes itself through well-defined contexts and iterative design cycles that generate findings to inform both theory and practice. A significant advancement in DBR is Sandoval’s introduction of conjecture mapping (CM) in 2004 and subsequently refined in 2014. CM provides a visual framework to elucidate the DBR designs, with the primary objective of identifying the most critical features of a learning design. This paper reports on a case of adopting CM in a three-cycle DBR study of Character Education Learning through Digital Storytelling in Primary 5 classrooms in Singapore. It refines the conjecture formulation and introduces a generic conjecture statement to reinforce the robustness of DBR design logic. Design principles, intervention evidence, and complementary evidence are incorporated as new components to strengthen the links between DBR and CM frameworks. Additionally, it enhances the visual notations of the map to systematically distinguish conjectures by their status and prominence within each cycle. This paper exemplifies the application of CM. It contributes to the ongoing discourse on CM, while advancing the discussion of DBR as a meta-methodology and proposing future directions for DBR and CM research.