# Theoretical Paper Template

## Usage
This template provides the skeleton for a paper that develops, critiques, or extends a theoretical framework.

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# [Paper Title in Title Case]

**Author(s):** [Author Name(s)]
**Affiliation(s):** [Department, Institution]
**Date:** [Date]

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## Abstract

[Theoretical problem addressed: 1-2 sentences.]
[Purpose of the analysis: 1 sentence.]
[Analytical approach: 1 sentence.]
[Key contribution (new framework/critique/extension): 2 sentences.]
[Implications: 1 sentence.]

**Keywords**: [keyword1], [keyword2], [keyword3], [keyword4], [keyword5]

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## 1. Introduction

### 1.1 The Theoretical Problem
[What theoretical issue or gap motivates this paper?]

### 1.2 Why This Theory Matters
[What practical or intellectual consequences depend on getting this right?]

### 1.3 Purpose and Contribution
[What does this paper do? Develop, critique, extend, or synthesize?]

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## 2. Background: The Theory in Context

### 2.1 Origins and Development
[Historical development of the theory. Key thinkers and milestones.]

### 2.2 Key Concepts and Definitions
[Define the core constructs, their relationships, and boundaries.]

### 2.3 Current State of the Theory
[How is the theory used today? Dominant interpretations and applications.]

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## 3. Critical Analysis

### 3.1 Strengths of the Framework
[What does the theory do well? Evidence of its explanatory power.]

### 3.2 Limitations and Gaps
[Where does the theory fall short? What can't it explain?]

### 3.3 Competing Perspectives
[What alternative theories address the same phenomena? How do they compare?]

### 3.4 Empirical Support (or Lack Thereof)
[What does the evidence say? Are the theory's predictions supported?]

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## 4. Proposed Extension / Revision

### 4.1 New Dimensions or Modifications
[What changes or additions does this paper propose?]

### 4.2 Conceptual Model
[Present the revised or new framework, ideally with a visual model.]

### 4.3 Propositions for Testing
[What testable predictions does the revised framework generate?]

| Proposition | Description | Testable Via |
|-------------|-------------|-------------|
| P1 | [proposition] | [method] |
| P2 | [proposition] | [method] |
| P3 | [proposition] | [method] |

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## 5. Applications and Implications

### 5.1 Theoretical Implications
[How does this contribute to the broader theoretical landscape?]

### 5.2 Practical Applications
[How can practitioners use this framework?]

### 5.3 Methodological Implications
[What new methods does this framework call for?]

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## 6. Conclusion

### 6.1 Summary of Contribution
[1 paragraph restating the paper's key contribution.]

### 6.2 Limitations of the Analysis
[Acknowledge the boundaries of this theoretical work.]

### 6.3 Future Directions
[What research should follow?]

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## AI Disclosure
[Standard AI disclosure statement.]

## References
[Complete reference list.]
