1. Theoretical Definition Conceptual Model
Phenomenon
A term, description, or label given to describe an event, a situation, or a process.
Theory
A set of relatively concrete & specific concepts, & the propositions that describe or link those concepts.
Components or concepts common to all nursing theories.
Metaparadigms
Domain
The perspective of a discipline that contains its subject matter, main values & beliefs, central concepts, and phenomena of interest.
A word or phrase that summarizes the essential characteristics or properties of a phenomenon.
Concept
Proposition
A statement about a concept or the relationship between concepts also referred to as assumptions.
Explains the meaning of a concept.
Theoretical Definition
Conceptual Model
A set of relatively abstract and general concepts, & the propositions that describe those concepts.
Reasoning from the individual or particular to the general or universal.
Induction
Deduction
Reasoning from the general or universal to the particular or specific.
Looks at a phenomenon and identifies its major elements or events, or relationships among the elements. Doesn’t tell the why or how.
Explanatory Theory
Descriptive Theory
 Looks at how the major elements or components relate to each other: cause & effect, relationships, correlations, etc.…