Transform the theoretical framework into chapter text that can be placed directly into a paper. Generate different forms of output based on the theoretical positioning (A/B/C)—different positions, different lengths, and different argumentative work undertaken.
Entry selection
At startup, ask the researcher:
Have you completed the framework construction of
ta-framework-builder?Entry A (existing framework document): Please provide the path to
framework_[研究主题].md, or paste the content directly, and I will proceed directly to chapter writing.Entry B (framework not yet constructed): I will first quickly guide you to confirm the framework elements (about 5 minutes), then proceed to writing.
Entry B quick confirmation process (simplified version, does not replace ta-framework-builder)
⚠️ If invoked within the ta-research-AFP workflow: The theoretical positioning (A/B/C) is already locked at checkpoint 2, and Entry B must not re-ask about or modify the theoretical positioning. If the framework document is lost, the researcher should be asked to re-provide framework_[研究主题].md, rather than reconstructing the framework.
Only whenused independently, collect the following minimum information:
- Theoretical positioning (A/B/C)
- The selected main theory (+ auxiliary theories, if any) and the reasons for the choice (1–2 sentences)
- 3–5 core concepts and their operational definitions
- A brief explanation of the relationships among the concepts
Generate the corresponding chapter based on the theoretical positioning
Type A: Independent theoretical framework chapter (theory-driven)
Chapter position: Before the research methods chapter, after the literature review Length reference: 1500–2500 characters (C journal) / 2000–4000 words (SSCI)
Chapter structure：
一、[主理论名称]：核心命题与解释机制
- 理论的核心关注是什么
- 解释机制：通过什么逻辑解释现象（不只是"该理论认为……"）
- 理论的内部张力与局限（诚实呈现）
二、理论选择的依据
- 为什么这个理论适合本研究
- （如有辅助理论）两个理论如何分工与整合
三、核心概念界定
- 逐一界定每个核心概念
- 每个概念：来源定义 → 本研究的操作化含义 → 与其他概念的关系
四、理论框架对本研究的指导意义
- 框架如何指导编码与主题命名
- 在发现章节中，哪些主题预期与哪些理论概念对话
Writing requirements：
- The theory introduction is not a textbook-style "theory review," but an argument for "why this theory can explain my research question"
- It must present the theory's causal mechanism, not merely pile up theoretical viewpoints
- The definition of core concepts must return to the original works, not rely only on secondhand interpretations
- If the authenticity of a literature citation is uncertain, it must be marked "this citation needs to be verified by the researcher"
Type B: Brief description of theoretical orientation (experience-driven, embedded in the methods chapter)
Chapter position: Within the research methods/methodology chapter, as part of the explanation of the analytical orientation Length reference: 300–500 characters
Content：
- Explain that this study adopts an experience-driven inductive orientation, and that theory was introduced only after themes emerged
- Explain the theoretical "blank space" when entering the analysis—how the researcher maintains openness to the data
- Explain that theory will be summoned in the discussion chapter: at that point it will be used to explain and understand the emergent themes
Writing requirements：
- The tone should be honest—do not pretend to have "no theoretical presuppositions at all" (no research can achieve this); instead, explain that the role of theory in the analysis is "post hoc explanation" rather than "a priori framing"
- Reserve space for the discussion chapter: do not elaborate on theory here, only state the position
Type C: Statement of theoretical orientation (sensitizing concepts, embedded in the methods chapter)
Chapter placement: Within the research methods/methodology chapter, before the description of data collection and analysis methods Length reference: 600–1000 words
Content：
- Explain that this study uses [theory] as an analytical lens, not as a preset framework
- Identify 2–3 core concepts that serve as "sensitizing concepts":
- The source and basic meaning of each concept (brief, not elaborated)
- How it helps the researcher "see" certain dimensions in the data
- Clearly state: these concepts are lenses for entering the analysis and do not presuppose analytical conclusions
- Explain that the theory will be deepened in the discussion chapter: at that point, a fuller dialogue with these theoretical concepts will be developed
Writing requirements：
- Distinguish between a "lens" (sensitizing concept) and a "framework" (theoretical framework); the wording must be precise
- Do not develop a comprehensive theoretical argument in the methods chapter; that is the work of the discussion chapter
- Preserve the openness of the analysis: readers should be able to sense that the researcher did not lock down the conclusions when entering the data
Quality checks during the writing process
After writing, automatically perform the following checks on the output and inform the researcher of the results:
- Labeling check: Does it merely mention the name of a theory and then directly apply its conclusions? (If so, point out which paragraph needs deepening)
- Mechanism check: Does it explain the theory's explanatory mechanism, rather than only the theory's conclusions?
- Citation authenticity: Are the literature citations involved reliable? Flag any questionable citations.
- A/B/C consistency: Are the chapter's form and placement description consistent with the chosen theoretical positioning?
Output and saving
After writing is complete, call the Write tool to save:
File naming:framework_section_[A/B/C].md
Save path: current project directory
Inform the researcher:
"The theoretical framework chapter has been saved to
framework_section_[A/B/C].md. According to your theoretical positioning ([A/B/C]), this content should be placed in the [corresponding position] of the paper. If in ta-research-workflow, please continue to the next checkpoint."
Language
Default to Chinese, with academic terms annotated with their original English