What is a framework? Understanding their purpose, value, development and use

Abstract Many frameworks exist across the sciences and science-policy interface, but it is not always clear how they are developed or can be applied. It also often vague new existing positioned in a theory of science to advance specific paradigm. This article examines these questions positions role as integral scientific tools, highlighting benefits critiques. While useful for synthesizing communicating core concepts field, lack transparency were Positioning within aid knowing purpose value framework use. provides meta-framework visualizing engaging four mediating processes development application: (1) empirical generalization, (2) theoretical fitting, (3) application, (4) hypothesizing. Guiding points scholars policymakers using developing their research provided closing.