Lecture 1 - Introduction Flashcards
What is a theory?
A framework of set of ideals that transcends individual examples, but cannot be proven
What is a paradigm?
A lens through which one sees the world
What is a profession?
A specialized field of practice. Characterized by:
–> Defined and specialized knowledge
–> Credential system/registration
–> Control and authority over education and training
–> Code of ethics
–> Formal training within institutions of higher education
–> Autonomy
What is a discipline?
An area of investigation with a unique perspective - a distinct way of looking at phenomena and producing knowledge
–> Specific to academia
What is ontology?
The study of being and existence.
What is epistemology?
The study of knowledge and ways of knowing
What is the relationship between epistemology and methodology?
Epistemology shapes methodology
What is a metaparadigm?
The most general statements of a discipline
What is the metaparadigm of nursing?
Involved the person, health, environment and nursing.
The discipline is explained by the relationships that exist between these concepts - theory examines the relationships between these areas.
According to Carper (1978), what are the ways of knowing of nursing?
Empirical, esthetical, personal, ethical
The application of EBP, hypothesis testing, and the borrowing of knowledge from biology, chemistry and medicine are examples of which way of knowing in nursing?
Empirical
The application of caring, empathy, intuition, and their expression through poetry and drawings are examples of which way of knowing in nursing?
Esthetical
Reflective journaling, debriefing with peers and emphasis on nurse client relationships are examples of which way of knowing in nursing?
Personal knowledge
Which way of knowing describes the moral component of nursing?
Ethical
White (1992) describes sociopolitical knowledge as a way of knowing. What is meant by this? How is it built?
This knowledge situates nurse-patient relationships in a wider context than the immediate care situation. It is acquired through public discussion forms, forums, political engagement.
Involves are situations and interactions between the profession and society.
What two levels of sociopolitical knowledge does White describe?
Care situations - patients and nurses
Society - Interactions between the profession and greater society
Chin and Kramer (2008) identify emancipatory knowledge as a way of knowing in nursing. What is meant by this? How is this kind of knowledge developed?
Places importance on examination of sociocultural and political status quo and the factors that hold them in place in a variety of contexts.
Developed through participation in critical analyses, manifestos, action plans, and statements that articulate a vision.
Nursing theory began with who? When was it beginning to be taken seriously?
Began with Nightingale in the 1850s.
Was only taken seriously in the 1950s when nursing knowledge was separated and understood to be distinct from medical practice.
When is the curriculum era of nursing theory development? What was the major emphasis and outcome?
1900-1940s
–> Emphasis on what curriculum should be used to educate nurses, emphasis on what courses are included in nursing programs
–> Resulted in standardized curricula for diploma programs and and an emerging goal to develop specialized knowledge and higher education.
When is the research era of nursing theory development? What was the major emphasis and outcome?
1950-1970s
–> Emphasis on what role nurses have in research, and what nursing research should focus on
–> Resulted in studies of nurses that are isolated and not yet unified in knowledge
When is the graduate education era of nursing theory development? What was the major emphasis and outcome?
1950-1970s
–> Emphasis on carving out an advanced role and basis for nursing practice and identifying the knowledge needed to do so
–> Resulted in identification that nurses have an important role in healthcare and a focus on graduate education and knowledge development
When is the theory era of nursing theory development? What was the major emphasis and outcome?
1980-1990s
–> Emphasis on the many ways to think about nursing and how varying frameworks can guide research and practice
–> Resulted in nursing research shifting to focus on the patient
When is the theory utilization era of nursing theory development? What was the major emphasis and outcome?
21st Century
–> Emphasis on nursing theory being used to guide all areas of nursing.
–> Resulted in use of frameworks and emphasizes quantitative and qualitative approaches in middle-range theories
What is meant by praxis? Where is this term used?
Praxis - putting theory into practice
Used in emancipatory knowledge to think critically and produce actions that lead to change. Participation leads to changes in society
Theories are not about coming up with the right answer, but rather…
Exploring theory can provide insights and new ways of understanding
How did the focus of nursing theory from 1900s-now?
19th Century - Focus on the environment
50s - Nurses functional roles based on problems/needs
60s - Nurse-patient relationship, nursing as process and not end
70s - Influx of middle range
80s - modernization of existing theories based on research
90s - Research + internationalization
2000s - Diversity, research, EBP
How should patterns of knowing be implemented?
Together - interrelated and interdependent (cannot be used in isolation)
What does Fawcett (2019/20) argue about theory and research?
Every person has a frame of reference and personal perspective that impacts their practice - it is impossible and meaningless to attempt the think atheoretically
Numbers should be interpreted in a theoretical context - either to make sense of them or to reject/modify existing theories
