1. Theory and Nursing Research

2. Theory
A set of interrelated constructs (concepts), definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relationships among variables, with the purpose of explaining, and predicting phenomena.
Kerlinger, 1973

3. Theory
An abstract generalization that presents a systematic explanation about relationships among phenomena. Polit and Beck, 2004
An integrated set of defined concepts and propositions that present a view of phenomenon and can be used to describe, explain, predict, or control phenomena. Grove, 2005
A set of related statements that describes or explains phenomena in a systematic way

4. Theory development It is basic aim of science
It makes scientific findings meaningful and generalizable
Theory provides description, explanation of the occurrence of phenomena
It is subjected to further development and revision or may be discarded if not supported by empirical evidence

5. concept A word picture or mental idea of a phenomenon
May be concrete or abstract

6. Concepts The building blocks of theory
It is a word or term that symbolize some aspect of reality
A concept can be
Concrete: Human heart, School
Abstract: Pain, love

7. Construct
Is a term used to indicate a phenomena that cannot be directly observed but must be inferred by certain concrete or less abstract indicators
Examples: wellness, assertiveness, self esteem

8. Construct
“Concept” and “construct” are sometimes used interchangeably although a construct often refers to a more complex abstraction than a concept
Similar to a concept in that it refers to an abstraction
Different from a concept in that it is deliberately invented (constructed) by researchers for a scientific purpose
Health locus of control
Self-care in Orem’s model

9. Proposition Is a statement or assertion of the R/S b/w concepts
For example, “ there is a relationship between smoking and lung cancer” “pulse rate and respiration”

10. Empirical Generalization
Similar pattern of events is found in empirical data of different studies
Have repeatedly tested and have not been disproved.
“Nurses who earn high salaries have scored high levels of job satisfaction”

11. Hypothesis
Tentative prediction of the relationship between two or more variables.

12. Model Is a symbolic representation of some phenomena Structural
Pictorial
Diagrammatic
mathmetical

13. Conceptual models
Concepts and propositions that state the relationship between the concepts
Person
Environment
Nursing
Health

14. Ladder of Abstraction
Worldview
Frameworks
Theories
Concepts
Variables

15. The Concepts of Levin’s Nursing model (Conservation model)

16. Conservation Model Energy Structural Integrity Personal Integrity
Wholeness
Adaptation
Conservation
Environment
Organismic Response
Trophicognosis
Internal
- Physiology
- Pathophysiology
External
- Perceptual
- Operational
- Conceptual
Fight or Flight
Inflammatory
Response
Response to stress
Perceptual Response
Energy
Structural Integrity
Personal Integrity
Social Integrity

17. Examples of Nursing theorists
Orem’s self-care deficit model
Roger’s science of unitary human beings
Roy’s adaptation
model
Neuman’s systems model

18. Theoretical and conceptual framework
Presents broad, general explanation of the relationships between the concepts of interest in research study

19. Theory generation and development
Deductive reasoning: from general to specific
Inductive reasoning:
from specific to general

20. Types of theories
Grand theories: a broad range of phenomena in the environment or in the experience of humans
Middle range theories: much narrow focus, connected to small number of concepts such as coping, stress, body image, adult learning, and social support

21. Sources of theories for Nursing Research
Theories from Nursing such as King’s theory of goal attainment
Theories from other disciplines such as sociology, biology, anthropology. Job satisfaction (Herzberg, 1966)
Combined sources from nursing and other disciplines

22. Theory testing in Nursing research
Review various theories
Select theory LR
Develop Hypotheses
Define study variables
Choose instruments
Describe findings
Relate conclusions to theory
Determine support
Determine implications for nursing
Recommendation of future research