Definitions

Theory, concept, construct, proposition,
empirical generalization, model, and
conceptual models
23 March 2016
1
Theory Terminology



Many different definitions
Understanding vs. memorization
No absolute or correct definition for terms
23 March 2016
2
Theory




Set of defined concepts and propositions
Presents a view of a phenomenon
Helps describe, explain or predict
Makes scientific findings meaningful and
generalizable
23 March 2016
3
Concept




The building blocks
A word picture or mental idea
It symbolizes some aspect of reality
Concrete or abstract
23 March 2016
4
Construct




Highly abstract
Very complex phenomenon
Cannot be directly observed
Must be inferred by other phenomenon
23 March 2016
5
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
23 March 2016
6
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
23 March 2016
7
Hypothesis




Predicts relationship between variables
Presents expectations about study outcomes
Tested in the real world
Helps support or reject a tested theory
23 March 2016
8
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
23 March 2016
9
Conceptual Models



Made up of concepts and prepositions
Show relationship between concepts
Are very abstract and not easily observable
23 March 2016
10
Concepts for Nursing Theories




Person
Environment
Health
Nursing
23 March 2016
11
Nursing Model Examples

Orem’s Self-care model concepts
o
o
o
o
o
o
Self-care
Self-care agency
Self-care demand
Self-care deficit
Nursing agency
Nursing system
23 March 2016
12
Nursing Model Examples

Three theories from Orem’s Model
o
o
o
Theory of Nursing Systems
Theory of Self-care Deficit
Theory of Self-care
23 March 2016
13
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”
23 March 2016
14
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
o
o
o
Physiological
Self-concept
Role function
Interdependence
23 March 2016
15
Neuman’s Systems Model

Focuses on total person
o
o
o

Individual
Group
Community
Environmental stressors
o
o
o
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Extra personal
23 March 2016
16
Neuman’s Systems Model

Client system
o
o
o
o
o
Physiological
Psychological
Sociocultural
Developmental
Spiritual
23 March 2016
17
Theoretical Framework



Broad general explanation
Shows relationships between concepts
Based on one existing theory
23 March 2016
18
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
23 March 2016
19
Theory generation and development




Deductive and inductive reasoning processes
in theory generation and development
Goes hand in hand
Uses deductive reasoning
Uses inductive reasoning
23 March 2016
20
Deductive Reasoning




Moves general to specific
Uses general (theory)
Hypothesis is deduced
Empirically tested done
23 March 2016
21
Inductive Reasoning





Moves from specific to general
Empirical data is obtained
Empirical generalizations are made
Propositional statements are produced
A theory is developed
23 March 2016
22
The steps used in testing a theory



Review the literature
Select a theory that fits
Use a theory that works
o
o
Describes the relationship
Explains the relationship
23 March 2016
23
Step-by-Step Approach




Review theories that examine the problem
Select a theory to be tested
Review the literature
Use a primary source
23 March 2016
24
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
23 March 2016
25
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
23 March 2016
26
The Study Framework critique



Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Where to find it?
o
o
Introductory section
Literature section
23 March 2016
27
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
23 March 2016
28
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?
23 March 2016
29
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?
23 March 2016
30