Theory Analysis and Evaluation

Question 1

The process of systematically examining a theory

Answer 1

Theory Evaluation

Question 2

Criteria vary but generally include examination of:

Answer 2

o Origins
o Meaning
o Logical adequacy
o Usefulness
o Generalizability
o Testability

Question 3

❖Purposes of theory evaluation
o Identifies a theory’s usefulness in guiding:

Answer 3

▪ Practice
▪ Research
▪ Education
▪ Administration

Question 4

Gives insight into relationships among concepts

Answer 4

Purpose of Theory Evaluation

Question 5

Allows the reviewer to identify strengths and
weakness of the theory

Answer 5

Purpose of Theory Evaluation

Question 6

What are the 3 phases of theory evaluation?

Answer 6

❖Theory description
❖Theory analysis
❖Theory evaluation

Question 7

initial step; works of the theorist are
reviewed to understand the theory’s:
o Structural components (______, ________,
_____________)
o Functional components (_______ and
______, ______, _____, or ______)

Answer 7

Theory description

o Structural components (assumptions, concepts,
propositions)
o Functional components (how linkages are made and
used to describe, explain, predict, or prescribe)

Question 8

second step of evaluation

Answer 8

Theory Analysis

Question 9

Process of nonjudgmentally examining the content,
structure, and function of the theory

Answer 9

Theory Analysis

Question 10

Goal is to understand the theory.

Answer 10

Theory Analysis

Question 11

Helps determine if the theory has potential for use in
practice, research, education, or administration

Answer 11

Theory Analysis

Question 12

final step of the process

Answer 12

Theory Evaluation

Question 13

Assesses the theory’s potential contribution

Answer 13

Theory Evaluation

Question 14

Determines how well a theory serves its purpose
(describe, explain, etc.)

Answer 14

Theory Evaluation

Question 15

Decision or action regarding use of the theory

Answer 15

Theory Evaluation

Question 16

focused on characteristics of significant
theories (e.g., scope, complexity, testability, usefulness)

Answer 16

Ellis (1968)

Question 17

detailed description of criteria for theory
evaluation (e.g., meaning, empirical adequacy,
testability, contribution)

Answer 17

Hardy (1974)

Question 18

first two-phase
approach (theory analysis and theory evaluation)

Answer 18

Duffey and Muhlenkamp (1974)

Question 19

differentiates internal
criticism (how theory components fit with each other)
and external criticism (how theory relates to the world)

Answer 19

Barnum (1979, 1998, 2005)

Question 20

two-phase approach
o Analysis (nonjudgmental, detailed examination)
o Evaluation (requires judgments about practical
application)

Answer 20

Fawcett (1980, 2000)

Question 21

Theory analysis is a multistep process (origins, meaning, logical adequacy,
usefulness, generalizability, testability).

Answer 21

Walker and Avant (1983, 2005)

Question 22

o Provides different criteria based on level of the
theory (grand, middle range, and practice theories)
o Examines basic considerations, internal
analysis/evaluation, and external analysis/evaluation

Answer 22

Whall (1989, 2005)

Question 23

examined several issues
(accuracy, consistency, fruitfulness,
simplicity/complexity, scope, acceptability, and
sociocultural utility)

Answer 23

Dudley-Brown (1997)

Question 24

Most common criteria for evaluation

Answer 24

oComplexity/simplicity
o Scope/generality
o Conceptual definitions
o Consistency
o Contribution
o Usefulness
o Testability

Question 25

o What is the purpose (describe, explain, etc.)?
o What is the scope/level (grand, middle range)?
o What are the origins of the theory?
o What are the major concepts?
o What are the propositions?
o What are the major assumptions?
o Is the context for use described?

Answer 25

Theory Description

Question 26

o Are concepts theoretically and operationally
defined?
o Are statements theoretically and operationally
defined?
o Are linkages explicit?
o Is the theory logically organized?
o Is there a model or diagram? Is it helpful?
o Are components used consistently?

Answer 26

Theory Analysis

Question 27

o Is the theory congruent with current standards?
o Is the theory congruent with nursing
interventions?
o Has the theory been tested in research? Is it
supported?

Answer 27

Theory Evaluation

Question 28

o Is there evidence the theory has been used in
research, education, or administration?
o Is the theory socially relevant?
o Is the theory relevant cross-culturally?
o Does the theory contribute to nursing?

Answer 28

Theory Evaluation