April 19, 2023 1

Definitions

Theory, concept, construct, proposition, empirical generalization, model, and conceptual models

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Theory Terminology

Many different definitions Understanding vs. memorization No absolute or correct definition for terms

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Theory

Set of defined concepts and propositions Presents a view of a phenomenon Helps describe, explain or predict Makes scientific findings meaningful and

generalizable

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Concept

The building blocks A word picture or mental idea It symbolizes some aspect of reality Concrete or abstract

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Construct

Highly abstract Very complex phenomenon Cannot be directly observed Must be inferred by other phenomenon

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Proposition

Is a statement or assertion Shows a relationship between concepts Statements come from theories Generalizations based on empirical data There is a relationship between temperature

and pulse or bacteria cause disease

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Empirical Generalizations

When a similar pattern of events is found in the empirical data of a number of different studies

Summarizes results of many empirical studies Statements tested repeatedly and not disproved Ex: studies have shown that women attend church

more then men ,the empirical generalization : women are more frequent church attendees than men

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Hypothesis

Predicts relationship between variables Presents expectations about study outcomes Tested in the real world Helps support or reject a tested theory

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Model

A symbolic representation of phenomena Focuses on structure or composition Uses a likeness of something Presents itself in pictorial, diagrammatic,

structural way Helps describ the theory in a very clear way

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Conceptual Models 

Made up of concepts and prepositions Show relationship between concepts Are very abstract and not easily observable

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Concepts for Nursing Theories

Person Environment Health Nursing

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Nursing Model Examples

Orem’s Self-care model conceptso Self-careo Self-care agencyo Self-care demando Self-care deficito Nursing agencyo Nursing system

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Nursing Model Examples

Three theories from Orem’s Modelo Theory of Nursing Systemso Theory of Self-care Deficito Theory of Self-care

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Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings

Humans and environment Energy Fields Each human field is unique Change is always present Person is “a unified whole”

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Roy’s Adaptation Model

Person as a total being Humans are biopsychosocial beings Humans are in constant interaction with

environment Humans are adaptive systems Four responsive modes

o Physiologicalo Self-concepto Role functiono Interdependence

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Neuman’s Systems Model

Focuses on total persono Individualo Groupo Community

Environmental stressorso Intrapersonalo Interpersonalo Extra personal

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Neuman’s Systems Model

Client systemo Physiologicalo Psychologicalo Socioculturalo Developmentalo Spiritual

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Theoretical Framework

Broad general explanation Shows relationships between concepts Based on one existing theory

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Conceptual Framework

Develops when no existing theory fits Helps explain relationship between concepts Concepts are related in logical manner May result in another theory Based on more than one theory

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Theory generation and development

Deductive and inductive reasoning processes in theory generation and development

Goes hand in hand Uses deductive reasoning Uses inductive reasoning

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Deductive Reasoning

Moves general to specific Uses general (theory) Hypothesis is deduced Empirically tested done

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Inductive Reasoning

Moves from specific to general Empirical data is obtained Empirical generalizations are made Propositional statements are produced A theory is developed

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The steps used in testing a theory

Review the literature Select a theory that fits Use a theory that works

o Describes the relationshipo Explains the relationship

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Step-by-Step Approach

Review theories that examine the problem Select a theory to be tested Review the literature Use a primary source

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Step-by-Step Approach

Develop study hypotheses or research questions

Define study variables Choose study tools that are congruent Describe the findings using the theory

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Step-by-Step Approach

Relates study conclusions to the theory Determine support for the theory Determine implications for nursing practice Make recommendations for future research

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The Study Framework critique

Theoretical Framework Conceptual Framework Where to find it?

o Introductory section o Literature section

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The Appropriateness of the Theory

Read the entire report Is the theory appropriate? What other theory could be used? Check for concepts and relationships Note operational definitions in study

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Guidelines for Critiquing the Report

Is the framework clearly identified? Is the framework based on a nursing or

discipline theory? Does the framework appear to be appropriate

for the study? Are the concepts clearly defined?

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Guidelines for Critiquing the Report

Are the relationships between the concepts clearly presented?

Are the propositional statements that guide the question/hypothesis identified?

Are the operational definitions provided for the concepts tested?