Exploring the Role of Frameworks in Knowledge Creation Process of Theorizing

The present paper addresses the role and application of frameworks and models in the process of theorizing. The use of frameworks and models in theorizing efforts is a significant challenge, but at the same time mostly ignored in qualitative and meaningful approaches to the processes of creating knowledge in theorizing. Therefore, this paper, while distinguishes research guide frameworks from frameworks in the theorizing process, examines different strategies in applying frameworks in the theorizing process, and compares them in two dimensions of how and when using them in the process of theorizing, and discusses their differentiation in terms of philosophical foundations and the logic governing them. For this purpose, the systematic combination with “Best Fit” framework meta-synthesis approach is used as a research method. As a result, six general approaches are identified in this regard, which are outcomes of debates of the theorizing process (generation, testing, and elaboration), different strategies of research (the logics of induction, deduction and abduction), and fundamental philosophical foundations. Finally, The integrated model presented in this study will solve the challenges and confusions related to applying frameworks and models. Also, it can help researchers to understand and identify the way of using them in their research based on their paradigmatic positions.