Week 3

Question 1

concept

Answer 1

image or symbol that represents an abstract idea; key element for understanding phenomena

Question 2

conceptual definition

Answer 2

conveys the general meaning of the concept; rooted in theoretical literature (not something you can find in dictionary)

Question 3

conceptual framework/theoretical framework

Answer 3

a set of interrelated concepts that represents an image of a phenomenon

Question 4

construct

Answer 4

complex concept; constructs usually comprise more than one concept and are built or constructed to fit a purpose

Question 5

model

Answer 5

a graphic or symbolic representation of a phenomenon

Question 6

operational definition

Answer 6

investigator specifies and defines variables, and says how the concept will be measured

Question 7

theory

Answer 7

• set of interrrelated concepts that provides a systematic view of phenomenon
• like a blueprint or guide for modeling a structure

Question 8

primary sources

Answer 8

research articles, theoretical documents, or other documents used by the author(s) who is conducting the study, developing a theory, or writing an autobiography

Question 9

secondary sources

Answer 9

published articles or books written by persons other than the individual who conducted the research study or developed the theory

Question 10

grey literature

Answer 10

information produced by government, industry, health care organizations, and professional organizations in the form of committee reports and policy documents

Question 11

practice-theory-research link

Answer 11

creates knowledge base for discipline of nursing

Question 12

theory-generating research

Answer 12

inductive - uses a process in which generalizations are developed from specific observations

Question 13

theory testing

Answer 13

deductive - make a hypothesis based on a theory and test it, using experimental research methods

Question 14

you need to identify whether the intent of research is to…

Answer 14

1. generate a theory
2. use the theory as a framework that guides the study
3. test a theory

Question 15

when critiquing the use of a theory in nursing research, what do we do?

Answer 15

first see if there is a framework presented, and if it is appropriate to guide the research. then focus on the concepts being studied and if they clearly reflect the area of study

Question 16

what is the intent of experimental research?

Answer 16

to move beyond explanation to prediction of relationships between characteristics or phenomena among different groups or in various situations

Question 17

describe experimental research designs

Answer 17

require manipulation of 1 or more phenomena to determine how manipulation affects or changes the dimension or characteristics of other phenomena

Question 18

what should we look for when critically appraising a literature review written for a published research study?

Answer 18

reflection of synthesis or pulling together of the main points of all of the sources reviewed in relation to your research question, hypothesis, or clinical question