Theory and Theory development Flashcards
A systematic explanation of an event in which constructs and concepts are identified and relationships are proposed and predications made
A system of interrelated propositions used to predict, explain, understand, and control a part of the empirical world
Theory
What distinguishes disciplines from other disciplines?
The unique theories and perspectives used by a specific discipline
Why are theories beneficial for disciplines?
Clarify basic assumptions and values
Define the nature and purpose of
practice
What are 2 differences between laws and theories?
Theories are invented in response to an event, laws are discovered
Laws cannot be changed, but a theory can
What are theories composed of? (3 things)
A purpose
Concepts and their definitions
Statements (propositions, laws, axioms, generalizations, hypotheses) *Can either be existential or relational
An occurrence or a circumstance that is observed, something that impresses the observer as extraordinary, or a thing that appears to and is constructed by the mind.
Phenomenon
Declaration that a relationship of some kind exists between two or more concepts.
Relational statements
What are the two types of relational statements?
Causal
Associational/correlational
T/F Correlation equals causation
False
Define Correlational statement
Reflects the strength and direction of a relationship between variables
The association between height and weight
Example of causal statement would be…
Smoking causes lung cancer
Declaration that a given concept or relationship exists. It makes an “it is” claim
Existential statements
Statements that explain the relationship between the concepts
Propositions
A proposition about the relationship between concepts in a theory that has been repeatedly validated. Found primarily in disciplines that deal with measurable phenomena (chem, physics). They are rarely found in social and human sciences.
Laws
Tentative suggestions that a specific relationship exists between 2 concepts or propositions. It can be repeatedly confirmed in order to create empirical generalizations and laws.
Hypotheses
Beliefs about phenomena that one must accept as true to accept a theory about the phenomena as true. May be based on accepted knowledge or personal beliefs and values.
Assumption/axiom
A broad statement that applies to many examples is called a….
Generalization
Theories vary according to what 3 things?
-number of elements,
- characteristics and complexity of the elements
- type of relationships among the elements
The initial work of nursing theorists aimed at clarifying what from the act of accomplishing the task?
the complex intellectual and interactional domains in expert nursing practice
The use of theory fosters what 3 things?
- An ability to communicate professional convictions
- Guides ethical action
- Fosters critical thinking
What are the variables that are tested in research when they become operationalized?
Concepts
What are propositions? What do they deal with?
The statement about any connection between 2 or more concepts (which are tested to prove said relationship, and uses a hypothesis or testable statement)
Deals with concepts, and is not tested
T/F propositions are always right
False, they can be wrong because of the reliance of belief (bias of researcher) vs tested data
Laws are…
Statements that describe or predict a range of phenomena behave as they appear in nature
reflect causal relationships fundamental to reality
They are testable and generalizable and narrower than a scientific theory
What are the 3 purposes of nursing theories in creating nursing knowledge?
Provide structure and organization for nursing knowledge
Describe, explain, and predict phenomena of importance to nursing
Define and clarify nursing and distinguishes it from other caring professions
Name the 6 Stages of theory development
Silent Knowledge
Received Knowledge
Perceived Knowledge
Subjective Knowledge
Procedural Knowledge
Constructive Knowledge
Integrated Knowledge
Blind obedience to medical authority, Little attempt to develop theory. Research was limited to collection of epidemiologic data
Stage 1: Silent knowledge
History of nursing knowledge - Silent Knowledge stage
Early, early years:
West – Florence Nightingale (1860’s Crimean War)
East – Rufaida Bent Saad al-Aslamiya (Koaiba Bent Saad) – nursed the sick/wounded during the Prophet Mohammed’s Wars, said to have set up first Muslim school for nurses (570 AD)
Knights Templar – male nurses – Middle Ages / Crusades
Learning through listening to others
Theories were borrowed from other disciplines. As nurses acquired non-nursing doctoral degrees, they relied on the authority of educators and social scientists to provide answers to nursing problems. Research was primarily education or sociological research
Stage 2: Received knowledge
The received knowledge stage occured throughout which years in history?
1940-1960
The received knowledge stage focused on the _______ model
Apprenticeship
The received knowledge stage developped the _______ ____ of nurses: What do they do?
Functional role