Unit 2 - Components of the Theoretical Foundation

Rationalism

A scope of knowledge emphasizes the importance of prior reasoning as the appropriate way of advance knowledge

Deductive inquiry

Theory-then-research strategy

Empiricism

A scope of knowledge anchors on sensory experience, generalizing observed facts, and inductive inquiry

Researh-then-theory strategy

The collection of facts is basis for generalization

Independence of Theory and Research

In any specific discipline, the theory is accepted based on scientific consensus

Scientific consensus

1. Agreement on the boundaries of the theory of phenomenon

2. Agreement on the logic used in constructing the theory, same understanding

3. Agreement that the theory fits the data collected and analyzed through research

Theoretical Foundation

Established theory that a researcher or scholar uses to frame a study, explain why a phenomenon exists, and guides decisions about what to investigate and how

Theoretical Foundation (in Nursing and Healthcare Education)

Might be a nursing theory, a learning theory, or an ethical framework depending on your focus

Components

A well-built theoretical foundation typically includes core components

Selected Theories

An established published theory directly relevant to your topic

Key Concepts and Definitions

Clear identifications of the main concepts

Theoretical Definitions

How the theory defines each concept

Operational Definitions

How each concept will be measured

Assumptions

Things you believe/accept as true before the study

Propositions

Sentences that describe how concepts are related

Variables and their relationships

Identification of independent, dependent, and mediating/moderating values derived from the theory

How the theory predicts how they interact

Epistemological Stance

Belief about what knowledge is and how we can know something is true

Concepts

Elements or components necessary to understand the phenomenon

Abstract Concepts

Mentally formulated, independent or a specific time and place

Concrete Concepts

Directly experienced and relate to a particular time and place

Relationship Statements

Indicates specific relationship between two or more concepts

Definitions

Statements that explain the meaning of concepts

Conceptual Framework

Set of interrelated concepts that symbolically represents and conveys a mental image of a phenomenon

3 Aspects of Nursing

1. The Person

2. The Body

3. The Disease

The Person

Therapeutic use of self > Core

The Body

Intimate bodily care > Care

The disease

Seeing the patient and family through medical care > Cure

Fawcett (1992)

Explained the importance of nursing theories; identify certain standards

Importance of Theoretical Foundation

1. Move from description to explanation and prediction

2. Guides research designs and methods

3. Provide a common language

4. Support evidence-based theories

5. Strengthens professionalism

Disciplining Scope

Nursing theories that address nursing phenomenas

Level of Abstraction

Some theories are grand, while others are middle-range or practice

Contextual Scope

A theory may apply to specific populations, setting, or issues

Methodological Scope

Theories can guide quantitative and qualitative theories

4 Stages of Theory Development in Nursing

1. Construction Stage

2. Refinement Stage

3. Validation Stage

4. Application Stage

Construction Stage

Formulate initial ideas or hypothesis about a phenomenon

Construction Stage

Formulate initial ideas or hypothesis about a phenomenon

Validation Stage

Test the theory/propositions to see if they are supported by evidence

Application Stage

Apply the theory in nursing practice, education, or research

Silent Knowledge

Gained through experience and intuition

Received Knowledge

Received from authorities or experts

Subjective Knowledge

Based on your own feelings, experiences, and personal judgement

Procedural Knowledge

Knowing how to do something

Constructed Knowledge

Knowledge you develop by combining the evidence, experience, and your own reasoning

Integrated Knowledge

Combining different types of knowledge into one understanding

Four Stage Model (used in Science and Nursing)

1. Speculative Stage

2. Descriptive Stage

3. Constructive/Explanatory Stage

4. Validation Stage

Speculative Stage

Early, tentative ideas and observations

Descriptive Stage

Patterns and relationships are described more clesrly

Constructive/Explanatory Stage

Build the theory and explain why/how things are related

Proposition Based Sequence (used in Exams)

1. Giving propositions

2. Describing the pattern of relationships

3. Explaining the pattern of relationships

4. Empirical testing of relationships

Knowledge Development

Statement of foundations and universal assumptions, beliefs, and principles about nature of knowledge and thought

Nursing Science

The discipline specific knowledge that focuses on the human-universe-health process articulated in the nursing framework and theories

Goal of Nursing Science

To represent the nature of Nursing: the need to understand it, the need to explain, to use it for the benefit of human kinda

Empirics

Knowledge gained through science, research, and observable evidence

Personal Knowledge

Knowledge gained through your own personal experiences

Intuitive Knowledge

Gained through intuition or your “gut-feeling”

Somatic Knowledge

Gained through the body and physical experience

Metaphysical (spiritual) Knowledge

Knowledge concerning questions beyond what can be directly observed is scientifically measured

Esthetics

Knowledge of the art of nursinf

Moral/Ethical Knowledge

Knowledge about what’s right or wrong

4 Fundamental Patterns for Nursing Knowledge

1. Empirics

2. Esthetics

3. Personal Knowledge in Nursing

4. Ethics

Empiricism (quantitative methodology)

Objectifies and quantifies experiences

Phenomenology and other forms of qualitative research

Deals with study of lived experiences

Nursing as a discipline

Discipline is specific to academe; refers to a branch of education, a department of learning or domain of knowledge

Nursing as a Profession

Refers to a specialized field of practice founded on the theoretical structure of the science of knowledge of that discipline and accompanying practice abilities (Aligood, 2018)

Profession in as occupation that requires extensive education

Criteria of a Profession (Bermann, 2022)

1. Well-defined, well-organized body of specialized knowledge

2. Service orientation

3. Ongoing research

4. Code of Ethics

5. Autonomy

6. Professional Organization

Personal Identity

Sense of oneself that is influenced by characteristics, norms, and values of the nursing of discipline, resulting in an individual thinking, acting and feeling like a nurse (Godfrey and Critter, 2017; Bermann, 2022