BSc Nursing 3rd Year Nursing Research And Statistics Chapter 8 Theory And Theoretical Framework Question And Answers

Theory And Theoretical Framework

Question 1. Define Theory
Answer:

Definitions Of Theory

• “A theory” is a statement that purports to account for or characterize some phenomenon” and that it “Pulls out the salient parts of a phenomenon so that one can separate the critical and necessary factors or relationships from the accidental or unessential factors or relationship” (Barnum 1990).
• “A theory is a set of concepts interrelated to form propositions that are useful for prediction and control.” “A theory is a conceptual system or framework invented for some purposes” (Dickoff and James 1968).
• “A theory is a set of interrelated constructs (concepts adapted for a scientific purpose), definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variables, with the purpose of explaining and predicting the phenomena” (Kerlinger, 1986).

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Question 2. Explain the Purposes of Theory
Answer: 

Nursing theory serves many purposes Among these purposes are:

1. To develop research propositions
2. To serve as a reservoir for knowledge and research findings
3. To explain observations and predict outcomes
4. To stimulate new directions in practice and in research.

Question 3. Discuss the importance of nursing theories in the formulation of conceptual framework with any one example each.
Answer:

• There are many theories which are reported in the nursing literature.
• For example, learning theory, developmental theory, theories of adaptation, stress and homeostasis theory, systems theory, social theories, and cultural theories.
• Learning theory includes theories of conditioning, social learning, and cognitive theory. Developmental theory examines changes that occur through time, in the physical, psychological, and social structures.
• Theories of adaptations, stress, and homeostasis examine how individuals or groups survive and function in a particular environment.
• System theory is diverse, focussing at times on behavioral systems and at other times on systems of interaction and communication or adaptation modes.
• Social theories examine factors that are external to individuals, such as social class, but that affect their life chances and lifestyles.
• Theories of symbolic interaction, such as Role Theory seek to explain how symbols and meanings establish the rules, roles, roles, and images of self and others in daily life.
• Cultural theories examine how traditional ways of life affect the behavior, values, beliefs, and perceptions of individuals and groups.
• The investigator uses theory in research to provide a framework constructed from past ideas, understanding, and research findings, and to provide foundations for the proposed research project, and he/she also uses theory to generate a hypothesis.
• Nursing theory is a source of professional autonomy and power. Theory provides nurses with a sound basis to describe explain, and predict factors that, influence nursing care.
• The recurrent theme in nursing theory guides nursing education, research, and practice and differentiates nursing practice from other disciplines.
  • In short, the theory provides a firm basis for planning and considering our actions and for challenging nursing practice and theory itself.
• Nursing theory enables nurses to predict the outcomes of what they are doing and to explain their selection of patient care approaches.

Question 4. Purpose Of Conceptual Framework
Answer:

• Its overall purpose is to make research findings meaningful and generalizable.
• Frameworks are efficient mechanisms for drawing together and summarizing accumulated facts, sometimes from separate and isolated investigations.
• Theories and models can guide the researcher’s understanding of not only the “what” of natural phenomena but also the “why” of its occurrence.
• Models help to stimulate research and the extension of knowledge by providing direction and importance (drawing force).

Question 5. Difference Between Theoretical and conceptual framework.
Answer:

Question 6. Enlist the stapes for the development of a conceptual framework.
Answer:

The framework of the study may be developed by using the following steps

• Identification of the general concepts:
  • Initially, the researcher identifies the general concepts of the study; these concepts may be based on study variables and previous research findings, existing theories, and models. Some concepts may be identified from a real-life observation or experience.
• Gathering relevant information:
  • Once the researcher identifies the concepts, the next step involves gathering the relevant information about the concepts from the relevant existing theories, previous research findings, etc.
  • This information helps the researcher to understand the concepts more empirically to establish the relationship between concepts for the development of the framework.
  • A framework is based on a specific theory or theoretical model; the researcher must read about it from primary sources.
  • Gathering relevant information about the concept enables the researcher to judge the amount of empirical support the theory has received and perhaps also the way the theory must be adapted to the framework.
• Formulation of the general scheme of relevant concepts:
  • After learning in-depth about the concepts, the researcher starts establishing the general relationship between the different related and relevant concepts.
  • This schematic relationship is established through brainstorming and logical reasoning. If a researcher has identified the problem statement and later develops a conceptual framework, it requires an iterative approach.

Development of a logical construct:

• After establishing the logical relationship between two more variables, the researcher develops a final construct.
• Construct is a highly abstract, complex description of a phenomenon (concept), and is denoted by a made-up or construed term.
• Construct term is used to indicate a phenomenon that cannot be directly observed but must be inferred by certain concrete or less abstract indicators of the phenomenon.
• For example, wellness, mental health, and self-esteem are constructs but they are only measured through indefinable and measurable concepts; for example, wellness can only be assessed with laboratory data.

Evaluation and revision:

• Concepts and constructs act as the building blocks for the framework, which are later evaluated for their relevance and relationship to conclude or generalize the facts. After the evaluation, revisions may be made before the development of a framework.

Establishment of the congruity:

• Once a researcher develops a framework, it is important to establish the congruity between the conceptual model and its components, the research problem, the hypothesis, the description of the operationalization of concepts, and the selection of the research design.
• In the real sense, congruity of framework may only be established, if most of the research decisions and interpretations of the study findings are based on the framework.