1. 1 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Chapter 7 Understanding Theory and Research Frameworks

2. 2 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Theory’s Role in Research  Research is based on theory.  Theory is the initial inspiration for research study.  Research helps answer the question, “Was my theory correct?”

3. 3 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Frameworks and Theories  A framework is a brief explanation of a theory or portions of a theory to be tested in a study.  A theory is abstract rather than concrete.  It focuses on the general.  The framework may be implicit or implied.

4. 4 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Conceptual Models  These are more abstract than theories.  They explain phenomena of interest and reflect a philosophical stance.  They cannot be tested via research.  They may guide further qualitative studies.  Operational definitions are often found in these models.

5. 5 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Elements of a Theory  Concepts: Abstractly describe and name an object, idea, or phenomenon, thus providing it with a separate identity or meaning  Conceptual definition: More comprehensive than a dictionary definition; includes associated meanings a word may have  Relational statement: Clarifies the type of relationship that exists between or among concepts  Map or model: Graphically shows the interrelationships of the concepts and relational statements

6. 6 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Middle Range Theories  Less abstract and narrower in scope than conceptual models  Emerge from review of studies to build evidence-based practice related to a clinical problem

7. 7 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Practice and Intervention Theories  Practice theory is prescriptive theory.  Intervention theory is a form of practice theory.  These theories direct nursing interventions.  Practice theory research develops into evidence-based practice.

8. 8 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Frameworks  Frameworks explain the theory.  Frameworks give relationships of variables.  This results in the hypothesis, which is testable.

9. 9 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.  Inappropriate framework  Disconnected framework  Multiple frameworks  Unidentified framework Problems with Frameworks

10. 10 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Select Concepts  Based on relevance to phenomenon of concern  Must have a concept for every major variable in study  Examine problem statement for relevant concepts  Include concepts from purpose statement if appropriate  Are also called constructs

11. 11 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Sources of Conceptual Definitions  Existing theoretical works  Must be used if proposition from theory being tested  Always desirable when available  Should be directly quoted (if possible) and cited  Published concept analyses

12. 12 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Sources of Conceptual Definitions (cont’d)  Previous studies using the concept  Publications describing instrument development  General literature  Performing a concept analysis

13. 13 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Critiquing a Study Framework  Concepts are linked with variables that are measured.  Concepts are represented in hypotheses, research questions, or objectives.  The hypotheses, research questions, or objectives are tested statistically.  The hypotheses, research questions, or objectives emerge from framework propositions.

14. 14 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Critiquing a Study Framework (cont’d)  Look for comments connecting findings to specific elements of the framework.  Search for comments discussing the implications of findings in terms of truth or falsity of framework propositions.

15. 15 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Critiquing a Study Framework (cont’d)  Are the findings for each hypothesis, question, or objective consistent with those proposed by the framework?  If the findings are not consistent with the framework, was the methodology adequate to test the hypothesis, question, or objective?  Are the findings consistent with those of other studies using the same framework (or testing the same propositions)?

16. 16 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Developing Relational Statements  When possible, they should be obtained from existing theoretical works and the source cited.  Called an existence statement  Otherwise, relationships must be proposed by researcher.  Also called propositions  Evidence for validity of statement should be provided.

17. 17 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Critique Guidelines for Statements  What statements are expressed within the publication?  Are all the study concepts included within the statements?  Do the statements reflect back on the Title and Purpose of the study?  Are statements expressed as both propositions and hypotheses (or research questions)?  Are one or more statements being tested by the study design?

18. 18 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Conceptual Maps  Show interrelationship between concepts and statements  Summarize and integrate what is known about a phenomenon more clearly than do literary explanations  Include all major concepts in a theory  Use arrows to explain linkages

19. 19 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Frameworks for Physiological Studies  Derived from physics, physiology, and pathophysiology  Theoretical relationships may be considered facts rather than theories.  Propositions can be developed and tested using these laws and principles.

20. 20 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Frameworks Based on Middle Range Theories  Limited scope  Particular substantive focus  Contain limited number of concepts  Focus on limited aspect of relationship  Sufficiently general to be interesting  Empirically testable  Consolidated into wide-range theories

21. 21 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Frameworks Derived from Qualitative Studies  Middle-range theories are developed in some qualitative studies as outcomes of the study.  These become the basis for clinical practice and/or as the framework in other qualitative or quantitative studies.

22. 22 Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Frameworks Including Conceptual Nursing Models  Few conceptual models come from a research tradition.  Researchers are working to develop research studies to test conceptual models in nursing.