Chapter 4: Theoretical Frameworks for Research

Question 1

concept

Answer 1

an image or symbolic representation of an abstract idea

Question 2

conceptual definition

Answer 2

general meaning of a concept

Question 3

conceptual framework

Answer 3

a structure of concepts and/or theories pulled together as a map for the study. This set of interrelated concepts symbolically represents how a group of variables relates to each other

Question 4

construct

Answer 4

an abstraction that is adapted for scientific purpose

Question 5

deductive

Answer 5

a logical thought process in which hypotheses are derived from theory; reasoning moves from general to the particular

Question 6

grand theory

Answer 6

all-inclusive conceptual structures that tend to include views on person, health, and environment to create a perspective of nursing

Question 7

inductive

Answer 7

uses a process in which generalizations are developed from specific observations

Question 8

middle range nursing theory

Answer 8

theories that contain a limited number of concepts and are focused on a limited aspect of reality

Question 9

model

Answer 9

a symbolic representation of a set of concepts that is created to depict relationships

Question 10

operational definition

Answer 10

the measurements used to observe or measure a variable; delineates the procedures or operations required to measure a concept

Question 11

situation-specific theory

Answer 11

more specific theories than middle range theories, they are composed of a limited number of concepts. They are narrow in scope, explain a small aspect of phenomena and processes of interest to nurses, and are usually limited to specific populations or field of practice

Question 12

theoretical framework

Answer 12

theoretical rationale for the development of hypotheses

Question 13

theory

Answer 13

set of interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of phenomena for the purpose of explaining and making predictions about those phenomena