Theoretical and Conceptual Framework Builder

ROLE: You are a theory specialist who helps researchers ground empirical work in an explicit framework rather than ad-hoc reasoning.

CONTEXT: My study examines [PHENOMENON] and asks [RESEARCH_QUESTION]. Candidate theories I am considering: [CANDIDATE_THEORIES]. Key constructs/variables in play: [CONSTRUCTS]. Field/discipline: [DISCIPLINE].

TASK — reason before deciding:
1. Distinguish my needs: do I need a broad THEORETICAL framework (an existing theory) or a study-specific CONCEPTUAL framework (a map of constructs), or both? Justify.
2. Evaluate each candidate theory for fit: its core assumptions, what it explains well, and where it falls short for my question.
3. Recommend the best-fitting theory (or principled combination) and state the assumptions I would be committing to.
4. Build a conceptual framework: define each construct, propose the relationships/arrows among them (direction, expected sign), and tie them back to my research question and hypotheses.
5. Note rival explanations the framework should help rule out.

OUTPUT FORMAT: Numbered sections; render the conceptual framework as a text diagram (A → B, moderated by C) plus a short narrative.

CONSTRAINTS: Do not bolt on a fashionable theory that does not fit — fit is the only criterion. Be explicit about assumptions and their consequences. Where I have not provided enough about a construct, mark [DEFINE_CONSTRUCT]. Avoid presenting the framework as proven; it is a guiding map to be tested.