Theory Analysis and Evaluation Flashcards
The process of systematically examining a theory
Theory Evaluation
Criteria vary but generally include examination of:
o Origins
o Meaning
o Logical adequacy
o Usefulness
o Generalizability
o Testability
❖Purposes of theory evaluation
o Identifies a theory’s usefulness in guiding:
▪ Practice
▪ Research
▪ Education
▪ Administration
Gives insight into relationships among concepts
Purpose of Theory Evaluation
Allows the reviewer to identify strengths and
weakness of the theory
Purpose of Theory Evaluation
What are the 3 phases of theory evaluation?
❖Theory description
❖Theory analysis
❖Theory evaluation
initial step; works of the theorist are
reviewed to understand the theory’s:
o Structural components (______, ________,
_____________)
o Functional components (_______ and
______, ______, _____, or ______)
Theory description
o Structural components (assumptions, concepts,
propositions)
o Functional components (how linkages are made and
used to describe, explain, predict, or prescribe)
second step of evaluation
Theory Analysis
Process of nonjudgmentally examining the content,
structure, and function of the theory
Theory Analysis
Goal is to understand the theory.
Theory Analysis
Helps determine if the theory has potential for use in
practice, research, education, or administration
Theory Analysis
final step of the process
Theory Evaluation
Assesses the theory’s potential contribution
Theory Evaluation
Determines how well a theory serves its purpose
(describe, explain, etc.)
Theory Evaluation
Decision or action regarding use of the theory
Theory Evaluation
focused on characteristics of significant
theories (e.g., scope, complexity, testability, usefulness)
Ellis (1968)
detailed description of criteria for theory
evaluation (e.g., meaning, empirical adequacy,
testability, contribution)
Hardy (1974)
first two-phase
approach (theory analysis and theory evaluation)
Duffey and Muhlenkamp (1974)
differentiates internal
criticism (how theory components fit with each other)
and external criticism (how theory relates to the world)
Barnum (1979, 1998, 2005)
two-phase approach
o Analysis (nonjudgmental, detailed examination)
o Evaluation (requires judgments about practical
application)
Fawcett (1980, 2000)
Theory analysis is a multistep process (origins, meaning, logical adequacy,
usefulness, generalizability, testability).
Walker and Avant (1983, 2005)
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
Whall (1989, 2005)
examined several issues
(accuracy, consistency, fruitfulness,
simplicity/complexity, scope, acceptability, and
sociocultural utility)
Dudley-Brown (1997)
Most common criteria for evaluation
oComplexity/simplicity
o Scope/generality
o Conceptual definitions
o Consistency
o Contribution
o Usefulness
o Testability
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?
Theory Description
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?
Theory Analysis
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?
Theory Evaluation
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?
Theory Evaluation
