Think theoretical framework is critical in any research paper because it serves as a foundation or basis to build one's research.  Without it, the research can expose to scholarly criticism & might fall apart.

Theoretical framework refers to previous theories, frameworks, models that a researcher is reviewing during literature review.  Normally, the researcher will develop his or her conceptual framework / research model underpinned on some theoretical frameworks that s/he has reviewed.  Usually, without theoretical framework(s) to support one's conceptual framework, the researcher might expose to questioning during article review / thesis viva examination. Theoretical frameworks are important as they serve as life-saver / support base / float in which without them a conceptual framework might sink miserably.

For writing any research paper, theoretical framework is essential to set the clear objectives, hypotheses, and direction of the paper. Theoretical framework helps the researcher to complete the paper in all respect.

Everybody always relies on an interpretive framework of some sort (for example, and perhaps in particular, one's world view). We tend to perceive patterns, reason causally, and our perceptions are intricately tied to our conceptions.

What makes the sciences (and academic disciplines in general) somewhat different is that instead of the sociocultural and subjective lenses that largely unconsciously shape our conceptions/perceptions always, there is a very deliberate set of frameworks based (ideally) on sound logic and empirical findings via scientific methods that have been developed for particular fields, disciplines, etc. In other words, we attempt to minimize the natural ways in which we employ subjective frameworks by structuring our analyses using theoretical frameworks. Generally, research in any given field involves multiple theoretical frameworks that are interrelated, hierarchically arranged, and dynamic.

Without an epistemological framework that is at least mostly explicit in the theoretical structures of the field and approach in question as well as any additional (sound) basis for inference and similar reasoning, we are simply relying on implicit (and again probably largely unconscious) biases without the ability to systematically identify and control these (to the extent possible).

Theoretical framework is necessary for both basic and applied research! " Theory can guide research, practice, curriculum development, evaluation, and help develop effective instructional tactics and strategies. Furthermore, it is not clear that theory-free research can exist."

http://www.slideshare.net/rsmehta/conceptual-and-theoretical-framework

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/bk-2008-0976.ch005

I think that is necessary a theoretical framework, but it also indispensable the knolege of the literature. If you want to describe something new, you must know what the others have done before you. This is tiresome, but required.

Mariano

Think theoretical framework is critical in any research paper because it serves as a foundation or basis to build one's research.  Without it, the research can expose to scholarly criticism & might fall apart.

Theoretical framework refers to previous theories, frameworks, models that a researcher is reviewing during literature review.  Normally, the researcher will develop his or her conceptual framework / research model underpinned on some theoretical frameworks that s/he has reviewed.  Usually, without theoretical framework(s) to support one's conceptual framework, the researcher might expose to questioning during article review / thesis viva examination. Theoretical frameworks are important as they serve as life-saver / support base / float in which without them a conceptual framework might sink miserably.

I  think that it depends on the type of research you are doing. I have realized that when theoretical frameworks in  linguistics of European languages are applied to research works in some of the African languages, these frameworks distort the realities on the ground. In this regard, a literature review of the situation should suffice for the research to be carried out.

I´m convinced that you need a detailed theoretical frame work for each kind of research. Otherwise you would run around without any senseful orientation. My personal experiences come from natural sciences, but I´m sure, it holds for all scientific academic research.

Dear @Hanno, you are absolutely right! Theoretical framework is a MUST for all types of research and research papers, of course. That is what I have stated in my previous answer.

Furthermore, I think that the following contribution from Trent University about Theoretical Frameworks will be helpful to young researchers!

"Why use a Theoretical Framework?

What is a Theoretical Framework?

Examples of Theoretical Frameworks

How to Use a Theoretical Framework in your Research Essay..." are  some of subtitles treated!

http://www.trentu.ca/history/workbook/theoreticalframeworks.php

with looking at all those who are in this opinion that theoretical framework is critical for all research papers, one can notice that they are from the past generations of scholars, I was wondering if new scholars are also on this opinion ? because data driven approach has brought us to a new paradigm shift which demands nothing but data, I mean data speak for itself. someone might say we apply deductive reasoning on what come out of data or theory frames our research question but what about those papers who presents an analysis on data which yields us new questions and hypotheses, don't you think they worth to be published on journals without companion of a theory framework ?

I agree with the previous responses.

Each phenomenon, concept, action can be analysed through many prisms, dimensions, prospects. The theoretical framework clarifies which dimension is of the phenomenon is examined and how.

Let me give an example from my area of research, which is education.

Lets imagine you want to examine new laws introduced in schools. You have to clarify where you focus.

If you focus on the impact on school management you need to go through research on school management.

If you focus on learning outcomes you need to go through research on learning outcomes, etc.

Otherwise it may be vague and innacuate

Eddie Seva See can you mention a type of research you think it needs no literature? just curious if you have something in mind.