Conceptual Components of Theory

Conceptual Components of Theory

As with research, concepts play a critical role in theory development. Consider for a moment the purpose of theory and its application to nursing practice. At the heart of any theory—which seeks to describe, explain, predict, or prescribe—lies the concept or concepts to be explored or addressed. Within the iterative process of theory development, concepts must be defined and refined as the relationships between them are identified in order to articulate “ reality” and inform effective practice.

To prepare:

• Reflect on the information presented Learning Resources, including Chapter 4 of Theoretical Basis for Nursing. How and why do concepts serve as the building blocks of theory?
• Brainstorm a list of middle range theories that have been applied in nursing practice. Then, select one with which you are most familiar. If necessary, refer to Chapter 10 or 11 in the course textbook, Theoretical Basis for Nursing, for ideas. You may also conduct additional research using the Walden Library or other scholarly databases.
• Contemplate the various conceptual components of your selected theory, including how they are defined, linked to the real world, observed, and measured.

By Tuesday 6/20/17, post 550 words essay in APA format with 3 references from the list below, that include the level one headings as numbered below:

1)       Discuss the conceptual components of your selected middle range theory as applied to nursing practice. Example: (Kristen Swanson’s Middle Range Theory of Caring)

2)       How are these components observed and measured in practice? Provide at least two specific examples.

3)       Share any insights into how the theory has developed or changed based on the testing of the concepts.

Required Readings

McEwin, M., & Wills, E.M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing. (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.

Chapter 4, "Theory Development: Structuring Conceptual Relationships in Nursing"

 Chapter 4 discusses theory development and examines the components of theories: concepts, theoretical statements, assumptions, and model development. In addition, the interrelationship between theory, research, and practice is examined.

Chapter 6, "Overview of Grand Nursing Theories"

 Chapter 6 presents an overview of grand theories and how they have influenced nursing practice and research.

Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.

Review Chapter 8, "Frameworks"

Cooper, E. (2009). Creating a culture of professional development: A milestone pathway tool for registered nurses. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 40(11), 501–508.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 This article describes how a culture of professional development is found to have a positive impact on nurse retention and satisfaction, creating a culture of professional development.

Perkins, M., Jensen, P., Jaccard, J., Gollwitzer, P., Oettingen, G., Pappadopulos, E., & Hoagwood, K. (2007). Applying theory-driven approaches to understanding and modifying clinicians' behavior: what do we know? Psychiatric Services, 58(3), 342–348. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.58.3.342

 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 This article provides an examination of theory-driven approaches for understanding a clinician’s behavior through the analysis of their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.

Rushing, A. M. (2008). The unitary life pattern of persons experiencing serenity in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Advances in Nursing Science, 31(3), 198–2 10.

 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 This article discusses a research study that utilizes Newman’s grand theory as a part of its theoretical framework.

Veo, P. (2010). Concept mapping for applying theory to nursing practice. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 26(1), 17–22. doi: 10.1097/NND.0b013e3181cc2d6f

 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 This article explores the use of concept mapping as a tool used to apply theory into daily nursing practices.

Woods, N. F., & Magyary, D. L. (2010). Translational research: Why nursing’s   interdisciplinary collaboration is essential. Research & Theory for Nursing Practice, 24(1), 9–24. doi:10.1891/1541-6577.24.1.9

 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 This article focuses on the use of translation research within the nursing profession and strategies for nursing leadership to apply translation practices.

Optional Resources

Panniers, T. L., Feuerbach, R. D., & Soeken, K. L. (2003). Methods in informatics: Using data derived from a systematic review of health care texts to develop a concept map for use in the neonatal intensive care setting. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 36(4–5), 232–239. doi:10.1016/j.jbi.2003.09.010

 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.