Identifying a Framework
INTRODUCTION
What’s In a Name?
There are frameworks, conceptual models, middle range theories, grand theories, and metaparadigms. The differences may appear to be minor but from the perspective of using theories and conducting research, the differences are huge. This module will explore the differences.
It is impossible to fully explain nursing theory without referencing Jacqueline Fawcett at some point in the discussion. Dr. Fawcett has contributed significantly to the science of nursing through the development of the Metaparadigm of Nursing, the identification of five components of nursing knowledge, and extensive study and explanation of nursing theory. In 2005, Fawcett placed nursing knowledge components into a structural holarchy of
- Metaparadigm
- Philosophy
- Conceptual Model
- Theory
- Empirical Indicator
This holarchy does not apply to just nursing knowledge but to the knowledge of any discipline. Philosophies are world views of a discipline. While this level is an extensive thread guiding conceptual models, it is rarely expressed in research. This week will concentrate on conceptual models and theories. Think of conceptual models as a framework with concepts clearly identified and general principles of their relationships expressed. A theory is a very specific relationship between concepts within the model. The readings for this week go into theories, grand theories, frameworks in detail. We will explore the Metaparadigm of Nursing in a later module.
The end purpose of theory is to guide practice and research. In order to conduct research, variables are used to statistically compare concepts. Empirical Indicators are variables that very precisely measure concepts. For example, if your theory states “knowledge as a component of sociocultural orientation basic conditioning factor enhances prevention of hazardsâ€, how will you measure research on this theory? Empirical indicators specifically relate theory to research questions. In this case, your research may be comparing scores on a child passenger safety questionnaire with the number of errors in the installation of a vehicle child safety restraint. The score on the questionnaire and the number of errors are very clearly measurable indicators. The proposition is that higher scores on the questionnaire will correlate with fewer errors in restraint installation. If this is found to be true, then there is support for the theory “knowledge as a component of sociocultural orientation basic conditioning factor enhances prevention of hazardsâ€.
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THE TASK: Identifying a Framework
- Length: A minimum of 250 words, not including references
- Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA format from within the last 5 years
Discussion Prompt
Watson’s Caring Theory, a grand theory and conceptual model in nursing, is the underlying framework for United States University College of Nursing’s programs. Identify a middle-range theory within her conceptual model. Clearly identify how she defines the concepts and propositions between them. Report them to the class using the form “psychosocial development (Concept A) progresses through (Proposition) stages (Concept B)â€. Psychosocial development and stages are examples and NOT required for the assignment. Using the readings for the week, discuss why her work is considered a grand theory.
