Science of Nursing Natural Sciences Biology Chemistry Human Sciences Sociology, psychology

Structure of Nursing Knowledge Components Metaparadigm Conceptual Models Theories Empirical Indicators Level of Abstraction Most Abstract Most Concrete

Metaparadigm Global concepts that identify the phenomena of central interest to a discipline Functions to bring unity to the discipline ‘This is what we are about...humankind, nursing, health, environment...

...and this is what we are not about...marine biology, atomic energy, astronomy, equine science...’

Theories and Frameworks...“tool(s) for reasoning, critical thinking, and decision-making” (Allgood, 2005, p. 272). “Nursing theory ought to guide research and practice, generate new ideas, and differentiate the focus of nursing from other professions” (Chinn & Jacobs, 1987, p. 145)

Terminology Concept – “a word or phrase that summarizes ideas, observations, and experiences” (Fawcett, 2005, p.4). Propositions – describe the relationship(s) between two or more concepts (Fawcett, 2005).

Theory – statement or group of statements that describe, explain, or predict interrelationships among concepts; abstract ideas rather than facts; broad or limited in scope

Model or Theory Models – more loosely associated concepts: “If the purpose of the work is to articulate a body of distinctive knowledge for the whole of the discipline of nursing, the work most likely is a conceptual model” (Fawcett, 2005, p. 23) Theory – concrete and specific concepts: “If the purpose of the work is to further develop one aspect of a conceptual model, the work most likely is a theory” (Fawcett, 2005, p23)

Theories Grand Theory – broad in scope, less concrete Middle Range Theory – narrower in scope, relatively concrete and specific, and applicable to practice...explains, predicts.

Examples of Borrowed Theories Stress Coping Locus of Control Health Belief Self efficacy