The document discusses steps 4 and 5 of the research process - theoretical framework and hypothesis generation. It defines a theoretical framework as identifying and labeling variables and their relationships. A theoretical framework provides the foundation for developing testable hypotheses. Variables can be dependent, independent, moderating, or intervening. The document provides examples of each variable type. It emphasizes that a theoretical framework must clearly define the variables and their hypothesized relationships, along with explanations for why the relationships are expected to exist. Hypotheses are conjectured relationships between two or more variables expressed as testable statements. The document concludes by providing an example theoretical framework for air safety violations at Delta Airlines, identifying relevant variables and their hypothesized relationships.