Qualitative research proceeds from the position that there is no one observable reality. Researchers utilizing qualitative methods build findings inductively, from raw data to a conceptual understanding. Theoretical frameworks may be utilized to guide qualitative analyses by suggesting concepts and relationships to explore. The framework may provide a sense of the story emerging from the analyses. And concurrently, the rich description provided by the analyses may allow the framework to be more deeply appreciated. However, there is a risk that using a theoretical framework may stifle inductive reasoning or result in findings incongruent to the data. The following is a discussion of the application of a theoretical framework in a qualitative study. This study, guided by the Common-Sense Model, explores the choice to undergo treatment for Hepatitis C Virus among veterans. Examples from the analyses are provided to facilitate discussion on the utilization of a theoretical framework. Techniques to optimize the use of a theoretical framework, as well as mitigate risks of such use, are presented. When utilized alongside rigorous data analyses and introspection, a theoretical framework may serve as a valuable tool to navigate data in qualitative research.

定性研究的出发点是没有一个可观察到的现实。利用定性方法的研究人员从原始数据到概念性理解，都可以归纳地得出结论。理论框架可以通过建议要探索的概念和关系来指导定性分析。该框架可以提供从分析中涌现出来的故事的感觉。同时，分析提供的丰富描述可以使框架得到更深刻的理解。但是，使用理论框架可能会扼杀归纳推理或导致与数据不一致的发现。以下是对理论框架在定性研究中的应用的讨论。这项研究以常识模型为指导，探索退伍军人接受丙型肝炎病毒治疗的选择。提供了分析中的示例，以方便对理论框架的利用进行讨论。提出了优化理论框架使用以及减轻此类使用风险的技术。当与严格的数据分析和内省一起使用时，理论框架可以作为定性研究中导航数据的有价值的工具。