Page 29 - alligood 8th edition_Neat

10 UNIT I Evolution of Nursing Theories

The analysis process is useful for learning about forms of theory, such as middle range, to guide prac-
the works and is essential for nurse scientists who tice. A theory should be sufficiently comprehensive,
intend to test, expand, or extend the works. When presented at a level of abstraction to provide guid-
nurse scientists consider their research interests in ance, and have as few concepts as possible with
the context of one of the theoretical works, areas for simplistic relations to aid clarity. Reynolds (1971)
further development are discovered through the pro- contends, “The most useful theory provides the greatest
cesses of critique, analysis, and critical reflection. sense of understanding” (p. 135). Walker and Avant
Therefore, analysis is an important process for learn- (2011) describe theory parsimony as “brief but com-
ing, for developing research projects, and for expand- plete” (p. 195).
ing the science associated with the theoretical works
of nursing in the future. Understanding a theoretical Generality
framework is vital to applying it in your practice. The generality of a theory speaks to the scope of
application and the purpose within the theory (Chinn
Clarity & Kramer, 2011). Ellis (1968) stated, “The broader
Clarity and structure are reviewed in terms of seman- the scope . . . the greater the significance of the the-
tic clarity and consistency and structural clarity and ory” (p. 219). The generality of a theoretical work
consistency. Clarity speaks to the meaning of terms varies by how abstract or concrete it is (Fawcett,
used, and definitional consistency and structure speaks 2005). Understanding the levels of abstraction by
to the consistent structural form of terms in the the- doctoral students and nurse scientists facilitated the
ory. Analysis begins as the major concepts and sub- use of abstract frameworks for the development
concepts and their definitions are identified. Words of middle-range theories. Rogers’ (1986) Theory of
have multiple meanings within and across disciplines; Accelerating Change is an example of an abstract
therefore, a word should be defined carefully and theory from which numerous middle-range theories
specifically according to the framework (philosophy, have been generated.
conceptual model, or theory) within which it is de-
veloped. Clarity and consistency are facilitated with Accessibility
diagrams and examples. The logical development and Accessibility is linked to the empirical indicators for
type of structure used should be clear, and assumptions testability and ultimate use of a theory to describe
should be stated clearly and be consistent with the goal aspects of practice (Chinn & Kramer, 2011). Acces-
of the theory (Chinn & Kramer, 2011; Reynolds, sible” addresses the extent to which empiric indica-
1971; Walker & Avant, 2011). Reynolds (1971) speaks tors for the concepts can be identified and to what
to intersubjectivity and says, “There must be shared extent the purposes of the theory can be attained”
agreement of the definitions of concepts and relation- (Chinn & Kramer, 2011, p. 203). Reynolds (1971)
ships between concepts within a theory” (p. 13). Hardy evaluates empirical relevance by examining “the cor-
(1973) refers to meaning and logical adequacy and respondence between a particular theory and the
says, “Concepts and relationships between concepts objective empirical data” (p. 18). He suggests that
must be clearly identified and valid” (p. 106). Ellis scientists should be able to evaluate and verify results
(1968) used “the criterion of terminology” to evaluate by themselves. Walker and Avant (2011) evaluate
theory and warns about “the danger of lost meaning testability based on the theory’s capacity to “generate
when terms are borrowed from other disciplines and hypotheses and be subjected to empirical research”
used in a different context” (p. 221). Walker and Avant (p. 195).
(2011) assess “logical adequacy” according to “the
logical structure of the concepts and statements” pro- Importance
posed in the theory (p. 195). A parallel can be drawn between outcome and impor-
tance. Because research, theory, and practice are
Simplicity closely related, nursing theory lends itself to research
Simplicity is highly valued in nursing theory devel- testing, and research testing leads to knowledge for
opment. Chinn and Kramer (2011) called for simple practice. Nursing theory guides research and practice,