Theory Development Process

Theory Development Process

Starts at the bedside with observed patient care patterns

Theory Development Process

create a conceptual model or framework

Theory Development Process

Identify concepts and build logical linkages

Theory Development Process

Develop relationship statements (propositions) to formally build theory

Theory Development Process

Nursing theory development is not a mysterious activity, but scholarly endeavor pursued systematically

Hage (1972)

identified six theory components and specified the contributions they make to theory.

Concepts and Definitions, Relational Statements, Linkages and Ordering

Three categories of theory components are presented as a basis for understanding the function of each element in the theory

Concepts

the building blocks of theories

Concepts

classify the phenomena of interest

Abstract and Concrete

different meanings in various concept frameworks or theoretical systems

Abstract concepts

mentally constructed independent of a specific time or place

Concrete concepts

directly experiences and relate to a particular time or place

Abstract concepts

e.g., elimination, vascular disease, telemetry, loss of relationships, nurse competency

Concrete concepts

e.g., voiding, stroke, electrocardiogram, divorce, social justice

Discrete concepts

Nonvariable categories with degrees

Discrete concepts

e.g., gender, marital status, educational attainment

Discrete concepts

qualitative

Continuous concepts

Dimensions or gradations of phenomenon

Continuous concepts

quantitative

Continuous concepts

e.g., 0 to 10 pain scale, degree of temperature)

Definitions

It is crucial that concepts are clearly defined within the conceptual model or framework to reduce ambiguity in the given concept or set of concepts

Definition

To eliminate perceived difference in meaning, explicit _________ are necessary

Operational definitions

provide the theorist's meaning of the concept and the basis for the empirical indicators

Relational statements

propose relationships between and among two or more concepts

Antecedent (Independent) Variable

The prior condition of cause (Giere, 1997)

Consequent (Dependent) Variable

The resulting outcome (Giere, 1997)

Sufficient Condition

"IF"

Sufficient Condition

antecedent guarantees the consequent will happen, but it is not the only possible cause

Necessary Condition

"If…then" or "Only if"

Necessary Condition

The antecedent is strictly required for the consequent to happen

Both Necessary and Sufficient

"If and only if"

Both Necessary and Sufficient

A rare, absolute relationship (parang kayo ng totga mo)

Both Necessary and Sufficient

The consequent never occurs without the antecedent, and it always occurs when the antecedent is present

Linkages

explain the details of the connection between two concepts

Theoretical and Operational

Two types of linkages

Theoretical

The Why

Theoretical

Explains why variables are connected using logical or scientific rationale

Operational

The How

Operational

Explains how variables are connected in a measurable way to provide testability

Scientific Laws

Simple, true, universal, and absolute statements of fact

Hypothesis

An educated guess based on observation that has not been probed

Theory

Verified hypotheses explaining related observations; accepted as true

Person, Environment, Health, and Nursing

Four Core Concepts [Theoretical Boundaries: Metaparadigm]

Perspective

Neutral

Contemporary Shift

Moving from abstract theories toward middle

Theory_testing research

validates, modifies, or discards older theories.

Theory_testing research

Requires increased collaboration between scientists and bedside practitioners

Theory_testing research

Goal: True evidence_based practice through rigorous, theory_guided research