Chapter 8

Question 1

Define Theory:

Answer 1

An abstract generalization that explains how phenomena are interrelated

Question 2

What do theories consist of?

Answer 2

Two or more concepts and a set of propositions that form a logically interrelated system, providing a mechanism for deducing hypotheses.

Question 3

What is Grand Theory? Name some examples.

Answer 3

Attempt to explain large segments of the human experience, but they are not good for research.

Types: (don't need to know specifics)
Roy’s Adaptation Model
Reinforcement theory 
Descriptive theory
Grand theory 
Nursing Process Theory

“Roy is becoming a Trans nurse model who loves self-care”

Question 4

What is a Middle-range Theory?

Answer 4

Attempt to focus on phenomena like stress, comfort, and health promotion (phenomena of interest to nurses)
More suitable for research –> CAN BE TESTED EMPIRICALLY

Question 5

Examples of Middle-range theories:

Answer 5

Health Promotion Model
Uncertainty in Illness Theory
Social Cognitive Theory
Transtheoretical Model
Health Belief Model
Theory of Planned Behavior

Question 6

What is a Conceptual Model?

Answer 6

Deals with abstractions or concepts that are assembled because of their relevance to a common theme.
-More loosely structured than theories

Question 7

What is a Schematic Model?

Answer 7

AKA conceptual maps that visually represent the relationships among phenomena.

Question 8

What is a framework?

Answer 8

The conceptual underpinning of a study.

• A descriptor of a study
• Not every study has a theory, but will still have its own framework.
• Implicit and not spelled out, especially for quantitative studies.

For Example:
If a study is based on a theory it has a theoretical framework.
If a conceptual model is the basis of a study, it is called a conceptual framework.

Question 9

What are the four central concepts of nursing?

Answer 9

1) People (human beings)
2) Environment
3) Health
4) Nursing

Question 10

How are theories used in Qualitative studies?

Answer 10

Attempt to avoid letting theories influence or bias their study and findings.

Examples:
Phenomenologists are guided by a framework focused on the person’s lived experience.
Ethnographers have a cultural framework focus. Grounded theory uses framework related to sociological formulations.

Question 11

How are theories used in Quantitative studies?

Answer 11

Test a hypothesis from an existing theory.

Multiple theories can relate to a study and some studies create their own theoretical framework that merges several theories together.

Question 12

Can multiple theories relate to one study?

Answer 12

YES

Question 13

Pilot studies

Answer 13

Create their own theoretical framework that merges several theories together.

Question 14

How to critique a framework?

Answer 14

An abstract process; can be difficult due to several factors:
What if the evidence only supports the theory and evidence that could refute it is not found?
Is the evidence insightful?
Does it relate to the underlying framework?

Question 15

Is a framework in a quantitative study easily discernible?

Answer 15

NO; usually does not state or describe a framework, and usually doesn’t have a specific section for it either.
LOOK AT THE INTERVENTION TESTED!
Single intervention: theory usually not needed
Complex intervention: theory should be included to strengthen the evidence quality.

Question 16

Is a framework in a qualitative study easily discernible?

Answer 16

YES; more likely to use frameworks, and they aim to maintain bias by ignoring the assumptions of a theory.

Question 17

Does having a framework in a study automatically make a study good?

Answer 17

NO

Question 18

What is true regarding middle-range theories?
A) Able to be tested empirically
B) Attempt to explain large segments of the human experience
C) Focused on the middle-class population
D) Research is limited to small population groups

Answer 18

A) Able to be tested empirically

Question 19

What is true regarding Grand theories?
A) Able to be tested empirically
B) Attempt to explain large segments of the human experience
C) Focused on the middle-class population
D) Research is limited to small population groups

Answer 19

B) Attempt to explain large segments of the human experience

Question 20

What is true regarding frameworks for quantitative articles?
A) Included in the methods section
B) Primarily uses theoretical frameworks
C) Aims to ignore theory to avoid bias
D) Usually does not state or describe a framework

Answer 20

D) Usually does not state or describe a framework

If a framework was used in a quantitative study, there is not a specific section for it.

Question 21

What is true regarding frameworks for qualitative articles?
A) Included in the methods section
B) Primarily uses theoretical frameworks
C) Aims to ignore theory to avoid bias
D) Usually does not state or describe a framework

Answer 21

B) Primarily uses theoretical frameworks

More likely to use frameworks, and they aim to MAINTAIN bias by ignoring the assumptions of a theory

Question 22

What traits should be defined in any conceptual model of nursing? (Select all that apply).
A) Human being
B) Environment
C) Health
D) Impact

Answer 22

A) Human being
B) Environment
C) Health
Human beings, environment, health, and nursing are the four main components found in any conceptual model of nursing.

Question 23

Which of the following is a middle-range theory?
A) Roy’s Adaptation Model
B) Theory of Human Becoming
C) Self-Care Theory
D) Health Promotion Model

Answer 23

D) Health Promotion Model

Question 24

Which of the following is a Grand theory? SATA:
A) Roy’s Adaptation Model
B) Theory of Human Becoming
C) Self-Care Theory
D) Health Promotion Model

Answer 24

A) Roy’s Adaptation Model
B) Theory of Human Becoming
C) Self-Care Theory

Other examples:
Reinforcement theory
Descriptive theory
Nursing Process Theory

Question 25

Which type of model places concepts in a visual format?
A) Conceptual Framework
B) Theoretical Framework
C) Schematic Model
D) Conceptual Model

Answer 25

C) Schematic Model

Schematic models or conceptual maps visually represent the relationships among phenomena.