Research Methods and Biostatistics: Theory in Nursing Research

Key Terminology in Nursing Research

  • Theory: An abstract generalization that explains how phenomena are interrelated, or a broad characterization of a phenomenon consisting of concepts and propositions that form a logically interrelated system to deduce hypotheses.

  • Classical Theory: An abstract generalization that systematically explains relationships among phenomena.

  • Descriptive Theory: A theory that thoroughly describes a phenomenon based on rich observations.

  • Grand Theory: A theory that attempts to explain large aspects of human experiences.

  • Middle-Range Theory: A theory focusing on a specific aspect of human experience (e.g., stress); specific and amenable to empirical testing.

Conceptual Models and Frameworks

  • Conceptual Model: Deals with abstractions assembled in a coherent scheme; represents a loosely structured attempt to explain phenomena and serve as a springboard for generating hypotheses.

  • Schematic Model (Map): Visually represents relationships among phenomena and is used in both quantitative and qualitative research.

  • Framework: The overall conceptual underpinnings of a study.

    • Theoretical Framework: Framework based on a theory.

    • Conceptual Framework: Framework based on a conceptual model.

    • Frameworks are often implicit; quantitative researchers are less likely to identify their frameworks than qualitative researchers.

Commonalities of Theories and Conceptual Models

  • Created by humans (inductively developed) rather than discovered.

  • Use concepts as building blocks and require conceptual definitions of key concepts.

  • Can be represented in schematic models.

  • Cannot be proven; they are supported to greater or lesser degrees.

  • Serve as a stimulus to research and generate hypotheses.

Conceptual Models and Theories in Nursing

  • Four Central Concepts: Human beings, Environment, Health, and Nursing.

  • Prominent Models and Middle-Range Theories:

    • Roy's Adaptation Model

    • Beck's (2015) Theory of Traumatic Childbirth

    • Mishel's (1990) Uncertainty in Illness Theory

    • Pender's (2015) Health Promotion Model

    • Kolcaba's (2003) Comfort Theory

Shared Theories in Nursing Research

  • Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory: Key construct includes self-efficacy.

  • Prochaska's Transtheoretical Model: Key construct includes stages of change.

  • Becker's Health Belief Model (HBM).

  • Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB): Key construct includes behavioral intentions.

Theories in Qualitative and Quantitative Research

  • Qualitative Research:

    • Substantive Theory: Conceptualizations of the target phenomena.

    • Grounded Theory: Grounded in symbolic interactionism (humans act based on meanings derived from interactions and modified through an interpretive process).

    • Ethnography: Uses cultural theories (ideational and materialistic).

    • Phenomenology: Grounded in the phenomenological philosophy of human experience.

  • Quantitative Research:

    • Testing a theory through deducing hypotheses to be tested.

    • Testing a theory-based intervention.

    • Using a theory/model as an organizing or interpretive structure.

    • Fitting a problem into a theory after the fact is not recommended.