Page 117 - Encyclopedia of Nursing Research

84 n ConCEPTUAL MoDEL (FRAMEWoRK)

the most useful. Regardless of the method sample size when studying a low-prevalence
used, concept analyses can contribute signif- disease; (b) to increase the ethnic diversity
C icant insights into the phenomena of concern or other characteristics of a sample, thus
to nurses. increasing generalizability of results; (c) to
shorten the time line for conducting the
Kay C. Avant study by simultaneously recruiting subjects
at multiple sites; (d) to provide mentoring
to more junior researchers and staff nurses;
(e) to share resources, tasks, and costs when
ConCeptual Model external funding is not available; and (f) to
(FraMework) increase opportunities for replication and
dissemination.
Consortial studies may be conceived by
Conceptual models (sometimes referred to one or a few investigators, who draft the ini-
as conceptual frameworks or grand theories) tial proposal then recruit colleagues at other
are abstract representations of phenomena of sites to participate in the study. These other
interest to the discipline. Specific theories can investigators may be involved in helping to
be derived from these conceptual models. The refine the proposal before it is submitted for
conceptual models themselves are not test- funding. When the purpose of the consor-
able, but the theories derived from the models tium is more focused on mentoring junior
may be tested. These grand theories provide colleagues or is a way to share resources and
global perspectives of the discipline and offer costs, it is more likely that development of
ways of viewing nursing phenomena on the the proposal will be a group endeavor from
basis of these perspectives. Examples of con- the start. In the latter case, the choice of topic
ceptual models in nursing are those of Martha may be generated by an advisory or steering
Rogers, Imogene King, Hildegarde Peplau, committee. Whichever approach is taken, the
Jean Watson, and Florence nightingale. pool of ideas generated by expertise from sev-
Descriptions of several of these models are eral institutions creates synergy that leads to
contained elsewhere in this text. more creative and productive research.
To conduct these multisite studies, one
Joyce J. Fitzpatrick site usually serves a coordinating function
for the study. Most often in externally funded
studies, the coordinating center is responsible
for identifying or developing questionnaires
Consortial researCh or other data collection forms, for data collec-
tion and processing procedures, and for receiv-
ing and centrally analyzing the study data.
Consortial research is a form of collabora- The oversight role of the coordinating center
tive research that can be used to increase includes development and implementation
the quantity and quality of nursing research of a quality control plan to assure standard-
within clinical settings. It involves cooper- ization of sample identification, recruitment,
ative efforts among researchers at several and data collection procedures. Scientific
institutions. The sites have formal, well- issues for the conduct of the study are usu-
defined administrative and working rela- ally managed by a steering committee, often
tionships that spell out agreed-upon roles composed of the principal investigator from
and responsibilities. each participating site and a few key individu-
Consortial studies are done for a num- als at the coordinating center. Standing or ad
ber of reasons: (a) to achieve the required hoc subcommittees of the steering committee