Theoretical Frameworks

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Chapter 6

Theoretical Frameworks

Question

Tell whether the following statement is true or false:

A theory is an abstraction that purports to account for or explain phenomena.

Answer

True

A theory is an abstraction that purports to account for or explain phenomena.

Question

What is a descriptive theory?

An abstract generalization that systematically explains relationships among phenomena

A theory that thoroughly describes a phenomenon, based on rich observations of it

A theory attempt to describe large segments of the human experience

A theory that focuses on a specific aspect of human experience

Answer

Classical theory: an abstract generalization that systematically explains relationships among phenomena

Descriptive theory: a theory that thoroughly describes a phenomenon, based on rich observations of it

Grand theory: a theory that attempts to explain large aspects of human experience

Middle-range theory: a theory that focuses on a specific aspect of human experience

Theory

An abstraction that purports to account for or explain phenomena

Classical theory: an abstract generalization that systematically explains relationships among phenomena
Descriptive theory: a theory that thoroughly describes a phenomenon, based on rich observations of it

Theory (cont.)

Grand theory: a theory that attempts to explain large aspects of human experience
Middle-range theory: a theory that focuses on a specific aspect of human experience

Question

Tell whether the following statement is true or false:

Schematic models are graphic, theory-driven representations of phenomena and their interrelationships using symbols or diagrams and a minimal use of words.

Answer

True

Schematic models are graphic, theory-driven representations of phenomena and their interrelationships using symbols or diagrams and a minimal use of words.

Conceptual Models

Deal with abstractions, assembled in a coherent scheme
Represent a less formal attempt than theories to explain phenomena
Do not have formal propositions about relationships among phenomena

Framework

Theoretical framework (based on theory)
Conceptual framework (based on a conceptual model)

Commonalities between Theories and Conceptual Models

Use concepts as building blocks
Require conceptual definitions of key concepts
Can be depicted in a schematic model
Are created by humans
Are developed inductively

Commonalities between Theories and Conceptual Models (cont.)

Cannot be proven—they are supported to greater or lesser degrees
Can be used to generate hypotheses
Can serve as a stimulus to research

5-Step Process for Developing Conceptual Definitions

Develop a preliminary definition.

Do an in-depth literature review.

Identify exemplary cases.

Map the concept’s meaning.

State the revised conceptual
definition.

Conceptual Models of Nursing

Formal explanations of what nursing practice is

Four concepts central to models of nursing:

Person
Environment
Health
Nursing

Conceptual Models Used Frequently by Nurse Researchers

Conceptual models of nursing:

Roy’s Adaptation Model

Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings

Other models developed by nurses:

Pender’s Health Promotion Model (HPM)

Mishel’s Uncertainty in Illness Theory

Examples of Non-Nursing Models by Nurse Researchers

Becker’s Health Belief Model (HBM)
Lazarus and Folkman’s Theory of Stress and Coping
Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory
Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)

The Use of Theories or Models in Quantitative Research

Testing a theory
Testing two competing theories
Using a theory/model as an organizing structure
Fitting a problem into theory
Developing an original theory/model

Question

What type of theory do some qualitative researchers seek to develop that provide data-driven explanations to account for phenomena under study?

Grounded

Ethnography

Phenomenology

Shared

Answer

Some qualitative researchers specifically seek to develop grounded theories, data-driven explanations to account for phenomena under study through inductive processes. Ethnography is cultural theories—ideational and materialistic. Phenomenology is the phenomenologic theory of human experience.

Theories in Qualitative Research