Differentiation of Terms

Concept
Conceptual framework
Paradigm
Metaparadigm
Theory

Concepts
Abstract ideas or mental images of phenomena or reality
Often called the building blocks of theories
Examples: mass, energy, ego, id

Paradigm
A pattern of shared understanding and assumptions about
reality and the world
Include notions of reality that are largely unconscious or taken
for granted
Derived from cultural beliefs
Examples: time, space

Metaparadigm
Concepts that can be superimposed on other concepts
Four major metaparadigms in nursing
Person
Environment
Health
Nursing

Theory
Supposition or system of ideas proposed to explain a given
phenomenon
Attempt to explain relationships between concepts
Offer ways to conceptualize central interests of a discipline
Example: Freuds theory of the Unconscious

Purposes of Nursing Theory

1. Link among nursing theory, education, research, and clinical
practice
2. Contributes to knowledge development
3. May direct education, research, and Practice
The Living Tree of Nursing Theories

Criteria for

Evaluating Theoretical Work

Clarity- How clear is this theory?

Words often have multiple meanings within and across
disciplines; therefore words should be defined carefully and
specifically to the framework (philosophy, conceptual model, or
theory) from which it is derived.
Diagrams and examples may facilitate clarity and should be
consistent.
Simplicity- How simple is the theory?
Theory should have as few concepts as possible with simplistic
relations to aid clarity.
 The most useful theory provides the greatest sense of
understanding.
Generality- How general is this theory?
To determine the generality of theory, the scope of concepts
and goals within the theory are examined.
The broader the scope, the greater the significance of the
theory.
Empirical precision- How accessible is the theory?
Empirical precision is linked to the testability and ultimate use
of a theory and it refers to theextent that the defined concepts are
grounded in observable reality.
Derivable Consequences- How important is this theory?
Propose that if research, theory, and practice are to be
meaningfully related, then nursing theory should lend itself to
research testing and research testing should lead to knowledge that
guides practice.
Indicates that to be considered useful, it is essential for theory
to develop and guide practice.