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Chapter 7

Understanding Theory and Research Frameworks

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Theory’s Role in Research

Research is based on theory. Theory is the initial inspiration for research

study. Research helps answer the question, “Was

my theory correct?”

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Frameworks and Theories

A framework is a brief explanation of a theory or portions of a theory to be tested in a study.

A theory is abstract rather than concrete. It focuses on the general. The framework may be implicit or implied.

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Conceptual Models

These are more abstract than theories. They explain phenomena of interest and

reflect a philosophical stance. They cannot be tested via research. They may guide further qualitative studies. Operational definitions are often found in

these models.

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Elements of a Theory

Concepts: Abstractly describe and name an object, idea, or phenomenon, thus providing it with a separate identity or meaning

Conceptual definition: More comprehensive than a dictionary definition; includes associated meanings a word may have

Relational statement: Clarifies the type of relationship that exists between or among concepts

Map or model: Graphically shows the interrelationships of the concepts and relational statements

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Middle Range Theories

Less abstract and narrower in scope than conceptual models

Emerge from review of studies to build evidence-based practice related to a clinical problem

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Practice and Intervention Theories

Practice theory is prescriptive theory. Intervention theory is a form of practice

theory. These theories direct nursing interventions. Practice theory research develops into

evidence-based practice.

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Frameworks

Frameworks explain the theory. Frameworks give relationships of variables. This results in the hypothesis, which is

testable.

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Inappropriate framework Disconnected framework Multiple frameworks Unidentified framework

Problems with Frameworks

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Select Concepts

Based on relevance to phenomenon of concern

Must have a concept for every major variable in study

Examine problem statement for relevant concepts

Include concepts from purpose statement if appropriate

Are also called constructs

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Sources of Conceptual Definitions

Existing theoretical works Must be used if proposition from theory being

tested Always desirable when available Should be directly quoted (if possible) and cited

Published concept analyses

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Sources of Conceptual Definitions (cont’d)

Previous studies using the concept Publications describing instrument

development General literature Performing a concept analysis

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Critiquing a Study Framework

Concepts are linked with variables that are measured.

Concepts are represented in hypotheses, research questions, or objectives.

The hypotheses, research questions, or objectives are tested statistically.

The hypotheses, research questions, or objectives emerge from framework propositions.

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Critiquing a Study Framework (cont’d)

Look for comments connecting findings to specific elements of the framework.

Search for comments discussing the implications of findings in terms of truth or falsity of framework propositions.

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Critiquing a Study Framework (cont’d)

Are the findings for each hypothesis, question, or objective consistent with those proposed by the framework?

If the findings are not consistent with the framework, was the methodology adequate to test the hypothesis, question, or objective?

Are the findings consistent with those of other studies using the same framework (or testing the same propositions)?

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Developing Relational Statements

When possible, they should be obtained from existing theoretical works and the source cited. Called an existence statement

Otherwise, relationships must be proposed by researcher.

Also called propositions Evidence for validity of statement should be

provided.

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Critique Guidelines for Statements

What statements are expressed within the publication?

Are all the study concepts included within the statements?

Do the statements reflect back on the Title and Purpose of the study?

Are statements expressed as both propositions and hypotheses (or research questions)?

Are one or more statements being tested by the study design?

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Conceptual Maps

Show interrelationship between concepts and statements

Summarize and integrate what is known about a phenomenon more clearly than do literary explanations

Include all major concepts in a theory Use arrows to explain linkages

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Frameworks for Physiological Studies

Derived from physics, physiology, and pathophysiology

Theoretical relationships may be considered facts rather than theories.

Propositions can be developed and tested using these laws and principles.

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Frameworks Based on Middle Range Theories

Limited scope Particular substantive focus Contain limited number of concepts Focus on limited aspect of relationship Sufficiently general to be interesting Empirically testable Consolidated into wide-range theories

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Frameworks Derived from Qualitative Studies

Middle-range theories are developed in some qualitative studies as outcomes of the study.

These become the basis for clinical practice and/or as the framework in other qualitative or quantitative studies.

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Frameworks Including Conceptual Nursing Models

Few conceptual models come from a research tradition.

Researchers are working to develop research studies to test conceptual models in nursing.