Unit 2: Ch. 8 Flashcards
Theory
An abstraction that purports to account for or explain phenomena
- description on how you do a thing
- theories are inductively from observations
- ->theories are put together from small bits and pieces of info
- ->must know something about it
- ->composed of concepts or constructs and they are held together w/ propositions
Classical theory
abstract generalization that systematically explains relationships among phenomena
- ex: theory of evolution
- how thing A affects thing B
Descriptive theory
a theory that thoroughly describes a phenomenon, based on rich observations of it
-only describes, doesn’t look at relationships
Grand theory
a theory that attempts to explain large aspects of human experiences
-ex: Orem’s theory of self care deficit (a nursing theory)
aka macrotheories
Middle-range theory
a theory that focuses on a specific aspect of human experience (e.g. stress, comfort, and health promotion)
More specific and responsive to empirical testing than grand theories
Micro-theories
small theory about very, very specific phenomenon
-ex: theories about miscarriages
Models
deals with abstractions, assembled in a coherent scheme
-may be a picture, physical representation, diagram, 3D model (ex: DNA helix model), etc.
Represent a more loosely structured attempt to explain phenomena than theories
Can serve as springboards for generating hypotheses
-once you see a model/schematic, you may come up with ideas about how to write a hypothesis/research question based on it
Conceptual model
deals with abstractions (concepts) that are assembled because of their relevance to a common theme
Broadly presents an understanding of the phenomenon of interest and reflects the assumptions and philosophical views of the model’s designer
Provide a conceptual perspective regarding interrelated phenomena, but are more loosely structured than theories and do not link concepts in a logically derived deductive system
Can serve as springboards for writing hypotheses
Some writers use the term ____ to designate a method of representing phenomena with a minimal use of words.
Model
writers may be using a visual or symbolic representation
Statistical models
equations that mathematically express relationships among a set of variables
Schematic models (aka conceptual maps)
visually represent relationships among phenomena, and are used in BOTH qualitative and quantitative research
Concepts and linkages between them are depicted graphically through boxes, arrows, or other symbols
Schematic models are appealing as visual summaries of complex ideas
Pender’s Health Promotion Model (HPM)
A schematic model for explaining and predicting the health-promotion component of lifestyle
focuses on explaining health-promotion behaviors, using a wellness orientation
Framework
the overall conceptual underpinnings of a study - skeleton of a building, pieces all connect - may not be sure how yet
T/F: Not every study is based on a theory or conceptual model but every study has a framework
TRUE
Theoretical framework
abstraction that purports to account for or explain a phenomena
-more complex than a conceptual framework (we know more about it)
exists in a study based on a theory
More reliable than a conceptual framework b/c it has more of the parts to it than the conceptual framework
Conceptual framework
based on a conceptual model and is defined as interrelated concepts or abstractions assembled in a rational scheme b/c of a common theme; may be called a conceptual model
- we know less about it (than a theoretical framework)
- may have all the concepts there but don’t know how they go together or you may not have all the concepts
- less detail than theoretical framework
exists in a study that has its roots in a specified conceptual model
commonalities of theories and conceptual models (8)
- use concepts as building blocks
- require conceptual definitions of key concepts
- can be represented in a schematic model (drawing, physical model, 3D model…)
- are created by humans (as opposed to coming out of nature - something we create)
- are developed inductively (reasoning from specific examples to a general conclusion - lots of little details that go together to create a picture)
- cannot be proven - they are supported to a greater or lesser degree
- can be used to generate hypotheses and test research questions
- can serve as a stimulus to research
conceptual definition
how you’re choosing to define a specific thing