The Framework• A set of terms and relationships within

which the problem is formulated and solved. It is the foundation on which the research will be done. The purposes of the framework are to:

The Framework• A. Help develop a sufficient understanding

of the problem area• Basic facts about the problem• Areas of agreement and disagreement• Explanations of behaviors and interactions

• B Allow many people to conduct research within the same frame of reference so that bit by bit larger generalizations can be formed

The Framework• C. Allows you to make assumptions so you

don’t have to research every point• D. Helps to identify and define the study

variables• Who or what will be the subject(s)• Concepts needed to explain certain phenomena• Relationships to systematically explain why certain things

may work

• E. Provides the basis for generating hypotheses or predictions about the outcome

The Framework• Theory

– A set of interrelated constructs (concepts), definitions, and propositions that present a systematic view of a phenomena by specifying relations among variables with the purpose of explaining and predicting the phenomena – Kerlinger (1973)

– Purpose • summarize existing knowledge – allows you to condense a

large body of knowledge into a coherent structure• explains observations • allows prediction and control of outcomes• stimulate new discoveries

The Framework– Nature of theory

• Origin– Theories are not discovered by scientists – they are

created by them– Theories are congruent with reality and existing knowledge– They are never proven because then they become facts

• Components– A set of concepts –abstract characteristics, categories,

labels » called variables in quantitative research » called phenomena in qualitative research

– A set of statements about relationships or a set of propositions each indicating a relationship

– Mechanisms for arriving at new propositions

The Framework– Propositions are related statements that:

» Explain phenomena why does a phenomenon occur what is its relationship to other phenomena » Describe phenomena what is this phenomenon Are developed by a systematic logical method Are stated in theoretical language

Example:• Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome

(Stress Theory)– Concepts – Stress, General Adaptation

Syndrome (GAS), General Defense Mechanisms (GDM), Specific Defense Mechanisms(SDM)

– Relationships – occur between stress and the body’s defense mechanisms which are activated to cope with the stress

Example cont.– Propositions:

• Humans seek to reduce stress by mobilizing the body’s GDM to overact.

• When the SDM for dealing with the source of stress is identified by the body, the over-activity of the GDM will subside and the SDM will overact.

• If the SDM is unable to cope with the stress, then the GDM reactivates to help the body adjust. This could lead to exhaustion.

• During the alarm and exhaustion phases, there is an increase in the production of ACTH which subsides during the resistance phase when the SDM comes into play.

Example cont.• New proposition or statement:

– Since the level of ACTH varies with the stage of the GAS,

– Measurement of ACTH indicates how well a person is coping with stress

• The level of ACTH will be greater before a meal than it is after a meal,

• The level of ACTH immediately prior to an IV infusion will be greater than during the infusion

The Framework– The tentative nature of theories

• They are invented by humans and are never free from the human perspective

• They can never be proved, they can only be supported– The relationship between theory and research

• They are mutually beneficial• Theory is built inductively by research observations• Theory is tested deductively in practice• Hypotheses deducted from theory further research• Non-theoretical research can be linked later to theory

Theories• Grand Theory – a theory that attempts to explain

large aspects of human experience• Mid-range Theory – a theory that focuses on a

specific aspect of human experience• Classical Theory – an abstract generalization

that systematically explains relationships among phenomena

• Descriptive Theory – a theory that thoroughly describes a phenomenon, based on thorough observations of that phenomenon

Examples of Theories:• Social Learning Theory• Locus of Control Theory• Kinesthetic Need Theory• Cognitive Dissonance Theory• Forced Field Theory• Reinforcement Theory• Systems Theory

Examples of Descriptive Theories or Conceptual Models

• Orem• Neuman• Roy• King• Watson• Levine• Peplau• Rogers

The Framework• Conceptual Frameworks or Conceptual Models

– Less formal, less well-developed attempts at organizing phenomena

– Their concepts name properties of nature – not relationships

– They consist of many concepts and systems that are loosely organized in a structural whole.

– They do not contain formal propositions.– They do allow inductively derived hypotheses

Common Nursing Concepts

• These concepts occur across all nursing theories or conceptual models– Person– Environment– Health– Nursing– Caring (newly added)

The Framework• Models in general – representations of

phenomena – depict some aspect of the environment figuratively – They can also be used to simplify a theoretical or a conceptual framework

• Mental models – fire• Physical models

– Icons – printer icon on computer– Analog models – EKG– Model airplane

• Symbolic models– Verbal– Schematic– Quantitative

Examples of Models• Health Belief Model (Rosenstock)• Consultation Models (Schein)

– Purchase –of-Expertise– Physician-Client – Process

• Pender’s Health Promotion Model • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs• Herzberg’s Motivators and Hygiene

Factors

Logical Frameworks• These are frameworks that spring from your

logical depiction of what you are planning to study – the variables and their relationships.

• These are used only if you can not find a framework into which your problem fits.

• They must help the reader understand your logic.

The Framework• Definitions – terms used in the framework must

be defined. These definitions are conceptual definitions and they should usually stem from the literature

• Constructs – terms used to indicae a phenomenon that cannot be directly observed, but can be inferred by certain concrete or less abstract indicators of that phenomenon’s existence– Wellness Mental health– Self-esteem Sedation

Framework• Assumptions – these are judgments about

phenomena which the researcher makes in terms of his/her own perceptions of the world in which he/she lives. The soundest ones come from the literature and general theory, then from professional judgment and experience.

• Empirical Generalizations – summarize several empirical findings with common results– Cleaning the mouth decreases potential microbes – Therefore, ventilator patients who receive good oral

hygiene may have fewer incidences of VAP

The Framework Limitations are built-in conditions which

influence the conclusions that you can draw – they are inherent weaknesses that should have taken care of before colecting data.

Theory and Research

• Theory and research serve as the underpinnings of nursing practice. If there was no practice, nursing theory and research would be irrelevant, because nursing is an applied discipline. Theory and research identify, describe, prescribe and guide practice. They are necessary for practice to continue to develop.

The Use of a Theory in Practice

• Orem’s Self-Care Theory states that people seek “normalcy” as a SC requisite.

• Pickens in 1999 conducted research to identify patients perceptions of “normalcy”

• You read this research article and remember the patient data acquired.

• You provide nursing interventions and referrals that will help your patient attain “normalcy”