Untangling the web: The need for theory, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual frameworks in paramedic research

Engaging with theory, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual frameworks in research has been long acknowledged as helping researchers share common principles and assumptions, situate methodological and analytical choices, and allows for knowledge to be built and shared across an area of study. However, achieving this is a task easier said than done. Determining what exactly is a theory, theoretical framework or conceptual framework can be a challenging task for all researchers. At times these terms are used interchangeably or are ambiguously articulated, which may be discouraging for researchers looking to incorporate such concepts into their work. Further, not all academic journals accommodate word counts conducive to deep engagement with theory or conceptual frameworks. Acknowledging such challenges, we seek to further the advice on entering academic conversations in Paramedicine. Tavares et al. identify that research submitted to Paramedicine could be strengthened by engaging with theory and conceptual frameworks. Many interesting manuscripts are submitted to the journal that unfortunately have unclear or underdeveloped theoretical and/or conceptual contributions that informed the research. This prevents researchers from entering broader academic conversations within and outside of Paramedicine, limits opportunities for linking to other studies, and may hinder our community of scholars’ understanding of foundational issues and problems. We take the position that engaging with theory, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual frameworks is an intentional and explicit part of conducting research, best done at the outset of a study to position and anchor the work. Theories, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual frameworks all have a philosophical basis in a particular epistemology and ontology – a discussion of which is beyond the scope of this editorial (see Table 1 for definitions). However, we would be remiss to acknowledge that researchers should become acquainted with the ontological and epistemological underpinnings of the theory or concepts they are using to ensure philosophical alignment between their research question/aim, methodology, and theory or conceptual framework. This knowledge is also consequential to obtain, as empirical findings can inform a change to a theory or conceptual framework, but not to an ontological or epistemological position. Further, while we primarily reference personal examples of research that use qualitative methodologies, our stance on the use of theory and theoretical or conceptual frameworks is applicable to all types of research. The onus is on researchers to ensure alignment between their ontological and epistemological stance and their choice of theory, theoretical or conceptual framework, and subsequent methodology. In this editorial, we will first make the case for engaging with theory and conceptual frameworks, and secondly, discuss ways in which paramedicine researchers can incorporate theory and/or conceptual frameworks into their research and publication in Paramedicine. Drawing