Chapter 2 Theory, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Chapter 2: Theory, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice.

Applied Research

Research designed to directly influence or improve clinical practice.

Basic Research

Research conducted to generate new knowledge rather than to solve a specific problem.

Concepts

Abstract impressions organized into symbols of reality; they describe objects, properties, events, and relationships.

Conceptual Framework or Model

A group of related concepts that follow an understandable pattern, used to organize and guide nursing practice.

Data

Information collected during research, which can be qualitative or quantitative.

Deductive Reasoning

A logical process that starts with a general idea and moves toward specific conclusions or actions.

Inductive Reasoning

A logical process that starts with specific observations and moves toward general conclusions.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Nursing care that is based on the best available scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences.

Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines

Systematically developed statements to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances.

Nursing Research

Systematic inquiry designed to develop knowledge about issues important to the nursing profession.

Nursing Theory

A group of concepts that describe a pattern of reality specific to nursing; it guides practice, education, and research.

Research Utilization (RU)

The process of using findings from research in practical nursing settings.

Qualitative Research

Research that seeks to understand human experiences through non-numerical data like interviews and observations.

Quantitative Research

Research that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to identify patterns and test hypotheses.

Quality Improvement (QI)

A systematic approach to improving patient care and outcomes within healthcare settings.

Scholarly Inquiry

A rigorous process of asking questions, investigating, and analyzing to advance knowledge.

Systematic Reviews

Summaries of research studies that use a structured method to evaluate and synthesize findings from multiple sources.

Theory

A set of concepts, definitions, and propositions that explain or predict events or situations by illustrating relationships among variables.

Traditional Knowledge

Knowledge passed down from generation to generation.

Authoritative Knowledge

Knowledge from an expert, accepted as truth based on perceived expertise.

Scientific Knowledge

Knowledge obtained through the scientific method (research).

General Systems Theory

Theory for universal application; break wholes into parts to see how they work together in systems.

Adaptation Theory

Adjustment of living matter to other living things and environment.

Developmental Theory

Orderly and predictable growth and development from conception to death.

The Person

The recipient of care; central focus in many nursing theories.

The Environment

The surroundings that influence health and care.

Health

A state of well-being that nursing care aims to maintain or restore.

PICOT

P=patient/population/problem; I=intervention; C=comparison; O=outcome; T=time.

Variable

A factor that can be measured or controlled in a study.

Independent Variable

The variable that is deliberately manipulated to assess its effect.

Dependent Variable

The outcome or effect measured in a study.

Hypothesis

A testable statement predicting a relationship between variables.