West Visayas State University

COLLEGE OF NURSING
Masters of Arts in Nursing
Major in Nursing Administration

CONCEPTUAL MODELS, THEORIES, AND RESEARCH

A Written Report

In partial fulfillment of the requirement in the subject

TFN Theoretical Foundations in Nursing

Submitted to
Prof. Ryan Odukado

Submitted by
Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, R.N.

November 28, 2015

Table of Contents

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

Definition of

Page

I.

Terms
3
II.
Lecture Content
A.
Conceptual
Models
4
B.

Conceptual Models and

Theories 4
C.
Conceptual Models and
Research...5
D.
Conceptual Theoretical Empirical Structure
6
1.
Conceptual Models and Theory
Testing8
2.
Conceptual Models and Theory
Generation.10
3.
Analysis and Evaluation of Conceptual Theoretical
Empirical
Structure

.11
i.
Analyzing Conceptual Theoretical Empirical
ii.
4.
E.

Structure11
Evaluating Conceptual Theoretical Empirical
Structure..12
Credibility of Conceptual

Models..13
Conclusion

.13

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN

References

Page

III.

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

13

Definition of Terms
Concept - A word picture or mental idea of a phenomenon.
Conceptual framework - A background or foundation for a
study; a less well-developed structure than a theoretical
framework; concepts are related in a logical manner by the
researcher.
Conceptual model - Symbolic presentation of concepts and the
relationships between these concepts.
Construct - A highly abstract phenomenon that cannot be
directly observed but must be inferred by certain concrete or
less abstract indicators of the phenomenon.
Deductive reasoning - A reasoning process that proceeds from
the general to the specific, from theory to empirical data.
Empirical Indicators are the actual instruments,
experimental conditions, and/or procedures that are used in the
study
Empirical generalization - A summary statement about the
occurrence of phenomena that is based on empirical data from a
number of different research studies.
Grand theories - Theories that are concerned with a broad
range of phenomena in the environment or in the experiences of
humans.
Inductive reasoning - A reasoning process that proceeds from
the specific to the general, from empirical data to theory.
Middle-range theories - Theories that have a narrow focus;
they are concerned with only a small area of the environment or
of human experiences.

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

Page

Model - A symbolic representation of some phenomenon or

phenomena.
Operational Definition it provides concepts with empirical
meaning by defining it in terms of observable data, such as the
activities to measure the concept or to manipulate it.
Phenomena is an aspect of reality that can be consciously
sensed or experienced
Proposition - A statement or assertion of the relationship
between concepts.
Theoretical framework - A study framework based on
propositional statements from a theory.
Theory - A set of related statements that describes or explains
phenomena in a systematic way.

A. Conceptual Model
A conceptual model is a set of abstract and general concepts
and propositions that provides a distinctive frame of reference or
perspective for phenomena within the domain of inquiry of a
particular discipline.
The global nature of conceptual model concepts and
prepositions precludes direct empirical observation and testing. It
contributes to theory development by focusing on certain things
and defining them as relevant consequently the other things ruled
out due to lesser importance.
It is synonymous with paradigm or disciplinary matrix. It
reflects the philosophic stance, cognitive orientation, research
tradition, and practice tradition of a particular group of scholars
within the discipline, rather than all members of the discipline.
Example:
Johnsons Behavioral System Model
Kings Interacting Systems Framework
Levines Conservation Model
Neumans Sytems Model
Orems Self Care Framework
Rogerss Science of Unitary Human
Beings
Roys Adaptation Model
B. Conceptual Models and Theories

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

Page

The conceptual model will be the reference of theory

development. We cant create a theory out of nothing. According to
Newman, the conceptual model guides theory generation and
testing by directing the questions one asks and the theories one
proposes and subsequently tests. It further provides a network
within each questions, theories and data fit together and makes
possible the identification of needed areas of theory development.
It act as guides for development of new theories by focusing
attention on certain concepts and their relationships, and they
place those concepts in a distinctive context.
Johnsons Behavioral System
Model
Kings Interacting Systems
Framework
Levines Conservation Model

Persons behavior
Attainment of goals
Conservation of energy;
structural, personal and social
integrity
Client system stability
Self- Care Ability
Unity of Human life

Neumans Sytems Model

Orems Self Care Framework
Rogerss Science of Unitary
Human Beings
Roys Adaptation Model
Adaptation ability
There are many theories needed to fully explain, describe
and predict all phenomena encompassed by a conceptual
model. Each theory is therefore specific within a portion of the
domain of inquiry identified by a model (see example). It is also
appropriate to link an existing theory for it provides specificity of
conceptual model concepts and propositions needed for a
particular situation. It must be ensured that there is logical
congruency of the model and the theory, and that they reflect
compatible views about the nature of phenomenon to be
studied.
Example:
Orems Self Care Framework
Theory of Self-Care
Deficit
- Proposes that
people can benefit
from nursing
because they are
subject to healthrelated limitations

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN

Theory of Self-Care
-

Proposes that
self-care is a
learned
behavior that
purposely
regulates

Theory of Nursing
Systems
- Proposes that
nursing systems
are formed when
nurses use their
abilities to
prescribe, design,

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

human
structural
integrity,
functioning
and human
development.

Page

that may render

them incapable of
continuous selfcare or that it
result to
ineffective or
incomplete care.

and provide
nursing care.

A conceptual model includes a proposition that the person

actively engages in interaction with the surrounding
environment rather than being a passive reactor to external
forces. So, typically the behavior modification theory is not
compatible because it proposes that the persons behavior is
shaped by an external conditioning stimuli. Whereas, the client
centered theory of personality is compatible because it proposes
that the individual is actively responsible for his/her own actions.
C. Conceptual Models and Research
According to Batey (1986), who pointed out that although
two investigators may observe real world situation or event their
notions about the reason why it occurs, their conceptual
organization about the problem, and the knowledge base they
select for studying that problem may differ.
The conceptual model guides research by identifying the
phenomena to be investigated, the methods to be used to
investigate the phenomena, how theories about these phenomena
are to be generated and tested, and how data are to be collected.
A fully developed conceptual model reflects a particular research
tradition that is made up of six (6) guidelines for inquiry.
1.
Phenomena that are to be studied
2.
Distinctive nature of the problems to be studied and
purposes to be
fulfilled by the research
3.
Subjects who are to provide the data
4.
Research designs, instruments, and the procedures that are
to be employed
5.
Methods to be employed in reducing and analyzing the data
6.
Nature of contributions that the research will make to the
advancement of knowledge.

Phenomena

Neumans System Model

1. Physiological,
psychological
sociocultural,

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN

Roys Adaptation Model

Basic life processes and how
nursing enhances those
processes

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

Page

developmental and
spiritual
2. Properties of the
central core of the
client system
3. Properties of the
flexible and normal
lines of defense as well
as of the lines of
resistance
4. Characteristics of
internal, external, and
created environments
5. Characteristics of
intrapersonal,
interpersonal, and
extrapersonal
stressors, and
6. Elements or primary,
secondary, and tertiary
prevention
interventions
The clinical problems to be
studied are those that deal
with the impact of stressors
on client stability.
Purpose: to predict the
effects of primary, secondary
and tertiary prevention
interventions on retention,
attainment, and maintenance
of client system stability
The subjects individuals,
families or communities both
inpatient and outpatient
settings

Nature and
Purpose

Subjects

Research
Design
Methods of
Analysis

Contribution

Both qualitative and

quantitative design
Both qualitative and
quantitative design
associated data analysis
techniques
Will advance our
understanding of the
influence of prevention
interventions on the

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN

Directs researchers to study

problems in adaptation to
constantly changing
environmental stimuli
Purpose: to describe how
people adapt to
environmental stimuli,
explain how adaptive life
processes and functioning.
Study subjects may be well
or have acute or chronic
illnesses in any healthcare
setting.
Development of basic and
clinical science
Qualitative content analysis;
Non Parametric and
Parametric statistical
procedures
Enhances our understanding
of the persons use of
adaptive mechanisms and
the role of nursing

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

Page

relationship between
stressors and client system
stability.

intervention in the promotion

of adaptation to constantly
changing environmental
stimuli.

D. Conceptual Theoretical Empirical Structures

Conceptual Model guides theory development and the
selection of research methods. Conceptual models, theories and
empirical indicators are the three components of conceptualtheoretical empirical structures.
Conceptual model concepts and propositions that
provides the frame of reference of the study are the most
abstract level of the structure.
The concepts and propositions of theory that was
generated or tested are at the intermediate level.
The empirical indicators used to collect the data,
including the instruments, procedures, and/or
experimental conditions that are used to observe or
measure a concept, are at the most concrete level.
CONCEPTUAL MODEL
CONCEPTS
CMC2
CM3

CMC1

Proposition linking conceptual

Model and theory concepts
CONCEPTS OF THE THEORY
TC2

TC1

TC3

Operational Definition
EMPIRICAL INDICATORS
EI2
EI3

EI1

Figure 1. General form of a conceptual-theoretical-empirical structure.

Representational Statements
As illustrated, vertically the propositions links the conceptual
model concepts to the theory concepts, and likewise the theory
concepts to the empirical indicators. The representational
statements indicate which theory concepts represents which
conceptual model concepts. Thus, each theory concepts acts as
a proxy for the more abstract conceptual model concepts.

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

Page

These are depicted with double lines (=), while the operational
definitions state exactly how the theory concepts are to be
observed or measured, and these are depicted by broken lines (- -).
However in the horizontal view, there is relational
propositions at each level of abstraction, it is therefore states
how the conceptual model concepts are related to each other
and how the theory concepts are related to one another, and
how the scores on the empirical indicators are interrelated.
These are depicted by unbroken line (-), moreover if desired one
could use (+,-) to indicate direction of relationship, arrowheads (
) to depict symmetry of the relationship.
1. Conceptual Models and Theory Testing
Conceptual models can guide theory testing through use of
the research guidelines. The theory is derived from or linked with
one or more concepts and propositions of the conceptual model and
is then empirically tested by using research design, subjects,
setting, instruments, and the procedures that are in keeping with
the guidelines of the conceptual model.
Theory testing proceeds from proceeds from conceptual
model to the theory and then to the empirical indicators. The data
obtained from the empirical indicators are analyzed by following the
methodological guidelines of the conceptual model, and the theory
is either supported or refuted. The horizontal proposition could also
be added to show those linkages.
CONCEPTUAL MODEL CONCEPTS AND PROPOSITIONS

CONCEPTS OF THE THEORY

EMPIRICAL INDICATORS
Figure 2. Theory testing from conceptual model.

Example:

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

Page

10

A theory testing from an explicit conceptual model from

Tulman and associates (1990) study of functional status following
childbirth. The investigators derived a theory of correlates of
postpartum functional status from Roys Adaptation Model.
The role function mode of Roys model was represented by
functional status, which was measured by the Inventory of
Functional Status after Childbirth,
The physiologic mode was represented by health variables,
which were measured by data obtained from Background
Data Sheet.
The Self Concept mode was represented by individual
psychosocial variables, which were measured by the
subscales of the Postpartum Self-Evaluation Questionnaire
(PSQ).
The interdependence mode was represented by family
variables, which were measured by other PSQ subscales and
the Infant Temperament Questionnaire.
The focal stimulus was represented by childbirth which was
operationalized through a sample of women who had
delivered healthy, full term infants.
The contextual stimuli were represented by demographic
variables, which were obtained from information on the
Background Data Sheet.

Concep
tual
Model
Concep
ts

Theory
Concep
ts

Empiric
al
Indicat
ors

Focal
Stimulu
s

Childbir
th
I
I
I
I
I
I
3
weeks,
6 weeks
3
months,
6month

Contextual
Stimulus

Physiolo
gical
Mode

SelfConcept
Mode

Demograp
hic
variables
I
I
I
I
I
I

Health
variables
I
I
I
I
I
I

Backgroun
d data
sheet

Backgro
und data
sheet

Individual
psychosocial
variables
I
I
I
I
I
I

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN

Postpartum
Self
Evaluation
Questionna

Interdepe
ndence
Mode

Family
variables
I
I
I
I
I
I
Infant
Temperam
ent
Questionn
aire

Role
Function
Mode

Functional
status
I
I
I
I
I
I
Inventory
of
Functional
Status
after
Childbirth

ire

Page

s
Postpar
tum

11

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

Figure 3. Example of theory testing from a conceptual model. Adapted from

Tulman et. al,1990

2. Conceptual Models and Theory Generation

Conceptual models also can guide theory generation through
use of the research guidelines. In this case, the guidelines
identify the phenomena to be studied and help the investigator
to focus on particular problems, and they also facilitate selection
of methods for the discovery of new theories. Thus, theory
generation proceeds from the conceptual model directly to the
empirical indicators. The data obtained from the empirical
indicators are then analyzed and a new theory emerges.
As illustrated below, the vertical propositions go directly from
the conceptual model concepts and propositions to the empirical
indicators (=), and then the empirical indicators to the concepts
and propositions that make up the newly discovered theory (---).
For simplicity, horizontal propositions were not depicted.
CONCEPTUAL MODEL CONCEPTS AND PROPOSITIONS

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN

Page

12

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

CONCEPTS OF THE THEORY

EMPIRICAL INDICATORS
Figure 4. Theory generation from a conceptual model
Example:
In both instances of phenomenological and grounded theory
the phenomena of interest (lived experiences or the basic social
psychological problems and processes) and the appropriate
method (interviews) are specified prior to empirical theory
development, and they constitute guidelines from a frame of
reference that fits the definition of a conceptual model. Thus
both theory testing and theory generation are guided by
conceptual models.

CONCEPTUAL MODEL
CONCEPTS AND PROPOSITIONS
Intrapersonal

CONCEPTS OF
THE THEORY

EMPIRICAL INDICATORS

Neumans System Model

Interpersonal Extrapersonal

Patient Needs

Caregiver Needs

Cancer Outpatients
And Caregivers

Neuman Stressors
Inductive

Interviews
Figure 5. Example of theory generation from a conceptual model from Blank
et.al (1989)

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

Page

13

A qualitative study was conducted by Blank et.al (1989), who

used research guidelines of Neumans Systems Model to identify
a relevant phenomenon, a method for data collection, and
categories for content analysis of data for a study of cancer
patients and their caregivers.
The phenomenon of interest was stressors, and the method
selected was the use of two Neuman Stressors Inductive
Interview guides. One of these structured interview guides was
used to assess the stressors experienced by patients, and the
other one is the stressors experienced by the patients
caregivers and to keep with Neumans classification scheme it is
further then categorized as intrapersonal, interpersonal or
extrapersonal.

Intrapersonal
Stressors

Patient Needs
Treatment
uncertainty
Physical
restriction/role
change
Anger/ depression
Isolation

Interpersonal
Stressors

Lack of support

Extrapersonal
Stressors

Transportation
Finances

Caregiver Needs
Treatment Uncertainty
Role
conflict/worry/added
responsibility
Fear of being alone
Coping with patient
situation
Guilt
Lack of support
Relationship with
patient
ADLs of patient
Lack of information
Transportation
Finances

3.1
Analyzing Conceptual Theoretical Empirical
Structure

The first step is to identify the concepts and

propositions of the conceptual model that were used to
guide the theory generating or theory testing
research.
The second step is to identify the vertical propositions
that link the conceptual model concepts and
propositions to the components of the theory. As
illustrated from previous examples:

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

Identify the
concepts and
propositions of the
conceptual model
that were used to
guide the theory
generating or
theory testing
research.

Identify the vertical

propositions that
link the conceptual
model concepts
and propositions to
the components of
the theory.

14

Blank et.al
(Neumans Systems
Model)
Neumans concept of
Stressors to guide
generation of a theory
of Cancer patients and
their caregivers needs.
Neumans Proposition:
stressors experienced
by the patient and the
stressors experienced
by the caregiver are not
always compatible
Page

ANALYSIS

Concept of stressors
was linked to the theory
concepts of patients and
caregivers needs
through an empirical
indicator (Neumans
Stressors Inductive
Interviews)

Tulman et.al
(Roys Adaptation
Model)
Roys concept of
Adaptive modes and
stimuli to guide their
theory testing study
of changes in
functional status
during postpartum
Roys Proposition: the
four adaptive modes
are interrelated.
Responses in any one
of the mode have an
effect on or act as a
stimulus for one or all
of the other modes ,
contextual stimuli
influence adaptation
A theory correlates of
postpartum functional
status from role
function adaptive
modes of Roys
Adaptation model.

3.2
Evaluating Conceptual Theoretical Empirical
Structure
The conceptual model is explicitly identified as the underlying guide
for the theory-generating or theory testing research.
The conceptual model is discussed in sufficient breadth and depth
so that the relationship between the model and the purpose of the
research is clear.
The linkages between the conceptual model concepts and
propositions and the theory concepts and the propositions are
stated explicitly.
The methodology reflects the conceptual model.
o The study subjects are drawn from a population that is
appropriate to the focus of the conceptual model.
o The instruments are appropriate measures of phenomena
encompassed by the conceptual model
o The study design clearly reflects the focus of the conceptual
model
o The statistical techniques are in keeping with the focus of the
conceptual model.
Discussion of research results includes conclusion regarding the
By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN
empirical adequacy of the theory and the credibility of the
conceptual model.

Conceptual Models, Theories, and Research

15

4. Credibility of Conceptual Models

Page

The propositions of the conceptual model are instead tested

indirectly through the empirical testing of the theories that are
derived from or linked with the model. If its supports the theory
it is likely credible. However, it findings do not support the
theory, both the empirical adequacy of the theory and the
credibility of the conceptual model must be questioned.
Conclusion
It is important that in research reports, we would identify the
conceptual model from which the study was based. Omission of
such information may lead to a critique of a research paper that
is inappropriate because it reflects an entirely different
perspectives. It is highly recommended that the conceptual
model must be explicitly identified and clearly linked with the
theoretical and empirical components of the study.
References:
Fawcett,J & Downs, F.S (1992). The relationship of theory and
research (2nd Ed): F.A. Davis
http://nursebox.blogspot.com/2010/12/important-common-terms-innursing.html (Retrieved November 22, 2015)

By: Honey Lee G. Gonzaga, RN