Introduction RESEARCH Process of inquiry THEORY Product of knowledge SCIENCE Result of the relationship between research & theory

ory To effectively build knowledge to research process should be developed within some theoretical structure that facilities analysis and interpretation of findings. Relationship between theory and research in nursing is not well understood. Relationship Between Theory and Research Research without theory results in discreet information or data which does not add to the accumulated knowledge of the discipline. Theory guides the research process, forms the research questions, aids in design, analysis and interpretation. It enables the scientist to weave the facts together. The relationship is direct and positive The choice of a research design depends on the question asked and the current state of theory development. (Kaiser Permanente, 2009) Theory and its associated research design may be Descriptive Correlational Experimental Theories from Nursing or Other Disciplines Nursing science is blend of knowledge that is unique to nursing and knowledge that is borrowed from other disciplines. Debate is whether the use of borrowed theory has hindered the development of the discipline. It has contributed to problems connecting research and theory in nursing. Historical Overview of Research and Theory in Nursing Florence Nightingale supported her theoretical propositions through research, as statistical data and prepared graphs were used to depict the impact of nursing care on the health of British soldiers. Afterwards, for almost century reports of nursing research were rare. Research and theory developed separately in nursing. Between 1928 and 1959 only 2 out of 152 studies reported a theoretical basis for the research design. In 1970s growing number of nurse theorists were seeking researchers to test their models in research and clinical application Grand nursing theories are still not widely used. In 1990s borrowed theories were used more. Now the focus of research and theory have moved more towards middle range theories Purpose of Theory in Research To identify meaningful and relevant areas for study. To propose plausible approaches to health problems. To develop or refine theories Define the concepts and proposed relationships between concepts. To interpret research findings To develop clinical practice protocols. To generate nursing diagnosis. Bordage (2009) explainsuse of conceptual frameworks in research Allow researchers to build upon one anothers work; thereby building a body of knowledge Programmatic, conceptually based research helps accumulate deeper understanding over time and this moves a discipline (such as nursing) forward. Types of theory and corresponding research