3.1 Linking Theory, Research, and Practice Flashcards
Theories, Research, Practice
- Theories guide nursing practice and research
- All 3 are required for quality nursing
Nursing Metaparadigm
- The most abstract view of a discipline
INCLUDES
Person - The recipient of nursing care (individual, group, family, community)
Nursing - Attributes, characteristics and actions of a nurse providing care on behalf of or in conjunction with the client
Environment - Internal and external environment (situation) that affects a client
Health - Degree of wellness/well-being that the client experiences
Roy Adaptation Model
- Grand Theory
- Biopsychosocial beings are in constant contact with their environment. Adaptation occurs when people respond positively to environmental changes
Concepts
- Image or symbolic representation of an abstract idea
- The key identified element of a phenomenon necessary to understand it
- “Building blocks of theory”
Concrete Concept - Can be identified, quantified, and measured (blood pressure, hemoglobin)
Abstract Concept - Difficult to quantify or measure (hope, pain, stress)
Roy’s Adaptation Model Concepts
- Individuals are adaptive systems
- The environment, health, and goal of nursing
- Coping processes
- Self-concept
- Interdependence
Constructs
- Complex concepts (composed of more than one concept) that are built or “constructed” to fit a purpose
Examples
- Maternal-Infant Bonding
- Health-Related Quality of Life
- Symptom Management
RAM Example
- Role Function
Conceptual/Theoretical Framework
- Set of interrelated concepts that represent an image of a phenomenon
- The framework is based on the theorists assumptions and refers to a structure that guides research or practice.
- Identifies key concepts and describes their relation to a phenomenon (variable) of concern.
- It is the foundation or map that aids the design of a study
RAM Example
- The model is based on Roy’s assumptions of humanism and vertivity (human existence affirmed by our common human nature)
- Model proposes that person and groups are adaptive systems and environmental stimuli influence adaptation. There are coping processes that lead to adaptation and integrated adaptation leads to health.
Theory
- Set of interrelated concepts that provide a systematic view of a phenomenon
- Set of concepts linked through propositions to explain a phenomenon
Proposition
- Statement about the relationship between 2 or more concepts
RAM Example
- The ability for a person to adapt to stimuli depends on a person’s adaptation level, situational demand, and pre-existing life processes.
Conceptual/Theoretical Definition
- Conveys the general meaning of a concept (defines and explains it as rooted in theoretical literature)
ROM Example
Environment - All conditions, circumstances, and influences that surround the affected behavior of humans as adaptive systems.
Physiologic Mode - Physiologic integrity. Manifestations of all physiologic activities comprise the human body.
Operational Definition
- Specifies how the concept will be measured.
- The instrument used to assess the presence of the concept and describe the degree to which the concept exists.
Example
Physiologic Mode - Weight, caloric intake, electrolyte level
Types of Theories
Grand Theory - Extremely abstract. Seeks to establish knowledge base for the whole profession.
Ex. Roy’s Adaptation Model
Mid-Range Theories - Less abstract with limited concepts. More easily tested
Ex. Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms or Theory of Uncertainty in illness
Micro Theories - Situation specific theories. Seek to explain a small aspect of a phenomenon. Limited to a specific population
Borrowed Theories - Theories borrowed from related disciplines
Ex. Biomedical, sociological sciences, behavioral sciences
Deductive/Inductive Reasoning
Deductive - Uses general abstract explanation to explain a specific event in real life
Inductive - Uses real life data to derive a general explanation
Theories
- Offers direction for study purpose, guides the selection of variables, measurements, analysis, and provides a template of implications for practice.
Linking Theory to Research
- Theory to research is testing of a theory in nursing research
