Conceptual models or theories
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Chapter 6
Theoretical Frameworks
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Copyright © 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Question
Tell whether the following statement is true or false:
A theory is an abstraction that purports to account for or explain phenomena.
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Answer
True
A theory is an abstraction that purports to account for or explain phenomena.
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Question
What is a descriptive theory?
An abstract generalization that systematically explains relationships among phenomena
A theory that thoroughly describes a phenomenon, based on rich observations of it
A theory attempt to describe large segments of the human experience
A theory that focuses on a specific aspect of human experience
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Answer
B
Classical theory: an abstract generalization that systematically explains relationships among phenomena
Descriptive theory: a theory that thoroughly describes a phenomenon, based on rich observations of it
Grand theory: a theory that attempts to explain large aspects of human experience
Middle-range theory: a theory that focuses on a specific aspect of human experience
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Theory
An abstraction that purports to account for or explain phenomena
Classical theory: an abstract generalization that systematically explains relationships among phenomena
Descriptive theory: a theory that thoroughly describes a phenomenon, based on rich observations of it
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Theory (cont.)
Grand theory: a theory that attempts to explain large aspects of human experience
Middle-range theory: a theory that focuses on a specific aspect of human experience
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Question
Tell whether the following statement is true or false:
Schematic models are graphic, theory-driven representations of phenomena and their interrelationships using symbols or diagrams and a minimal use of words.
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Answer
True
Schematic models are graphic, theory-driven representations of phenomena and their interrelationships using symbols or diagrams and a minimal use of words.
Copyright © 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Conceptual Models
Deal with abstractions, assembled in a coherent scheme
Represent a less formal attempt than theories to explain phenomena
Do not have formal propositions about relationships among phenomena
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Framework
Theoretical framework (based on theory)
Conceptual framework (based on a conceptual model)
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Commonalities between Theories and Conceptual Models
Use concepts as building blocks
Require conceptual definitions of key concepts
Can be depicted in a schematic model
Are created by humans
Are developed inductively
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Commonalities between Theories and Conceptual Models (cont.)
Cannot be proven—they are supported to greater or lesser degrees
Can be used to generate hypotheses
Can serve as a stimulus to research
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5-Step Process for Developing Conceptual Definitions
Develop a preliminary definition.
Do an in-depth literature review.
Identify exemplary cases.
Map the concept’s meaning.
State the revised conceptual
definition.
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Conceptual Models of Nursing
Formal explanations of what nursing practice is
Four concepts central to models of nursing:
Person
Environment
Health
Nursing
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Conceptual Models Used Frequently by Nurse Researchers
Conceptual models of nursing:
Roy’s Adaptation Model
Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings
Other models developed by nurses:
Pender’s Health Promotion Model (HPM)
Mishel’s Uncertainty in Illness Theory
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Examples of Non-Nursing Models by Nurse Researchers
Becker’s Health Belief Model (HBM)
Lazarus and Folkman’s Theory of Stress and Coping
Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory
Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)
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The Use of Theories or Models in Quantitative Research
Testing a theory
Testing two competing theories
Using a theory/model as an organizing structure
Fitting a problem into theory
Developing an original theory/model
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Question
What type of theory do some qualitative researchers seek to develop that provide data-driven explanations to account for phenomena under study?
Grounded
Ethnography
Phenomenology
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Answer
A
Some qualitative researchers specifically seek to develop grounded theories, data-driven explanations to account for phenomena under study through inductive processes. Ethnography is cultural theories—ideational and materialistic. Phenomenology is the phenomenologic theory of human experience.
Copyright © 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Theories in Qualitative Research
Substantive theory—conceptualizations of the target phenomena
Theory embedded in a research tradition
Grounded theory (symbolic interactionism)
Ethnography (cultural theories: ideational and materialistic)
Phenomenology (phenomenologic theory of human experience)
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Examples of Questions to Assess a
Model or Theory
Clarity: Are key concepts defined? Are definitions clear?
Complexity: Is the theory sufficiently rich? Overly complex?
Grounding: Is there an empirical basis for the theory?
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Examples of Questions to Assess a Model or Theory (cont.)
Appropriateness: Are key concepts within the domain of nursing?
Importance: Will testing the theory contribute to nursing’s evidence base?
Competition: Are there theories that better explain the key phenomenon?
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