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1Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Chapter 7
Understanding Theory and Research Frameworks
2Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Theory’s Role in Research
Research is based on theory. Theory is the initial inspiration for research
study. Research helps answer the question, “Was
my theory correct?”
3Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Frameworks and Theories
A framework is a brief explanation of a theory or portions of a theory to be tested in a study.
A theory is abstract rather than concrete. It focuses on the general. The framework may be implicit or implied.
4Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Conceptual Models
These are more abstract than theories. They explain phenomena of interest and
reflect a philosophical stance. They cannot be tested via research. They may guide further qualitative studies. Operational definitions are often found in
these models.
5Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Elements of a Theory
Concepts: Abstractly describe and name an object, idea, or phenomenon, thus providing it with a separate identity or meaning
Conceptual definition: More comprehensive than a dictionary definition; includes associated meanings a word may have
Relational statement: Clarifies the type of relationship that exists between or among concepts
Map or model: Graphically shows the interrelationships of the concepts and relational statements
6Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Middle Range Theories
Less abstract and narrower in scope than conceptual models
Emerge from review of studies to build evidence-based practice related to a clinical problem
7Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Practice and Intervention Theories
Practice theory is prescriptive theory. Intervention theory is a form of practice
theory. These theories direct nursing interventions. Practice theory research develops into
evidence-based practice.
8Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Frameworks
Frameworks explain the theory. Frameworks give relationships of variables. This results in the hypothesis, which is
testable.
9Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Inappropriate framework Disconnected framework Multiple frameworks Unidentified framework
Problems with Frameworks
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Select Concepts
Based on relevance to phenomenon of concern
Must have a concept for every major variable in study
Examine problem statement for relevant concepts
Include concepts from purpose statement if appropriate
Are also called constructs
11Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Sources of Conceptual Definitions
Existing theoretical works Must be used if proposition from theory being
tested Always desirable when available Should be directly quoted (if possible) and cited
Published concept analyses
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Sources of Conceptual Definitions (cont’d)
Previous studies using the concept Publications describing instrument
development General literature Performing a concept analysis
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Critiquing a Study Framework
Concepts are linked with variables that are measured.
Concepts are represented in hypotheses, research questions, or objectives.
The hypotheses, research questions, or objectives are tested statistically.
The hypotheses, research questions, or objectives emerge from framework propositions.
14Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Critiquing a Study Framework (cont’d)
Look for comments connecting findings to specific elements of the framework.
Search for comments discussing the implications of findings in terms of truth or falsity of framework propositions.
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Critiquing a Study Framework (cont’d)
Are the findings for each hypothesis, question, or objective consistent with those proposed by the framework?
If the findings are not consistent with the framework, was the methodology adequate to test the hypothesis, question, or objective?
Are the findings consistent with those of other studies using the same framework (or testing the same propositions)?
16Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Developing Relational Statements
When possible, they should be obtained from existing theoretical works and the source cited. Called an existence statement
Otherwise, relationships must be proposed by researcher.
Also called propositions Evidence for validity of statement should be
provided.
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Critique Guidelines for Statements
What statements are expressed within the publication?
Are all the study concepts included within the statements?
Do the statements reflect back on the Title and Purpose of the study?
Are statements expressed as both propositions and hypotheses (or research questions)?
Are one or more statements being tested by the study design?
18Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.
Conceptual Maps
Show interrelationship between concepts and statements
Summarize and integrate what is known about a phenomenon more clearly than do literary explanations
Include all major concepts in a theory Use arrows to explain linkages
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Frameworks for Physiological Studies
Derived from physics, physiology, and pathophysiology
Theoretical relationships may be considered facts rather than theories.
Propositions can be developed and tested using these laws and principles.
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Frameworks Based on Middle Range Theories
Limited scope Particular substantive focus Contain limited number of concepts Focus on limited aspect of relationship Sufficiently general to be interesting Empirically testable Consolidated into wide-range theories
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Frameworks Derived from Qualitative Studies
Middle-range theories are developed in some qualitative studies as outcomes of the study.
These become the basis for clinical practice and/or as the framework in other qualitative or quantitative studies.
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Frameworks Including Conceptual Nursing Models
Few conceptual models come from a research tradition.
Researchers are working to develop research studies to test conceptual models in nursing.