The theoretical framework is vital to all researches to clarify the implicit theory in a manner that is more clearly defined. It may also provide researchers to consider their limitations and alternative theories that challenge their perspective.
I am not certain what you mean by "theoretical framework" because that idea has at least two meanings. The first concerns substantive theory that is directly related to the topic of your research. I think this is can be quite useful, although some qualitative research is entirely exploratory, rather than theory driven.
The second meaning for theoretical framework is a more abstract summary of the philosophical assumptions that underly the research. This was a major area of research from roughly 1985-2000, and is sometimes summarized in term of "paradigms." But since the rise of mixed methods, the emphasis has shifted from philosophical debates to an emphasis on research design.
Generally the theoretical framework gives the reader the theory behind what you are doing . It is the basis of your methodology . Theories are accepted as facts in the field that you are in, concepts are what are postulated yet unproven and hypotheses are things to be tested . Included in the theoretical frame work the clear adoption of your ontological and epistemological position would further clarify and justify the methodology used in the research .
I don't see any reason why one has to use ontological and epistemological positions to justify methodology.
Instead, it is far more important to use one's research goals to justify one's choice of research methods.
That is part of the mixed method along with the conceptual framework. It serves as a foundation and basis of the study. Same with the conceptual framework somehow that is considered as a model to lead the study to its desired objectives.
In a mixed-method study, you typically have a qualitative and a quantitative approach. The qualitative approach should not have a theoretical framework - generally, you seek to identify concepts and/or hypotheses. The quantitative section should have a theoretical or conceptual framework because you will attempt to validate known theories in a particular area of investigation that will guide that section.
One other potential situation is the use of triangulation in the qualitative approach. Triangulation is done to validate the results of the primary qualitative approach. That can be done using observation, document analysis, etc. Sometimes, using triangulation is all that is necessary for the study, making the quantitative piece unnecessary.
Good luck with your study!
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