Chapter 7

Which of the following is an example of a theory from a physiological background that is used by nurses as a framework for nursing studies? A. Gate control theory of pain B. Health promotion model C. Social cognitive theory D. Theory of coping

A. Gate control theory of pain The theoretical bases of physiological studies are derived from physics, physiology, and pathophysiology.

Which of the following questions should a reviewer ask when critiquing a study's framework? A. How are the concepts defined? B. What level of measurement are the variables? C. What measurement methods are used in the study? D. What statistical package will be used for analysis?

A. How are the concepts defined? Defining the concepts under study in the research is a critical element when describing the conceptual framework. Reviewers should evaluate the clarity of the definitions the researcher provides when evaluating the conceptual framework of a research report.

When critiquing a study, the following statement is noted: "Women will experience less anxiety while undergoing a mammogram after the proposed educational program." Which type of statement is it? A. Hypothesis B. Proposition C. Relational statement D. Theoretical statement

A. Hypothesis This statement is an example of a hypothesis. A hypothesis predicts the nature of a relationship between the study variables.

The nurse researcher understands that a framework is: A. a brief explanation of a theory. B. a set of hypotheses to be tested. C. expressed in concrete terms. D. guided by the study methodology.

A. a brief explanation of a theory. A framework briefly expresses the portions of the theory to be tested. The research question leads to the hypothesis that can be tested. Research design is guided by the methodology. Conceptual definitions are expressed in concrete terms.

The nurse researcher knows that a theory is tested by: A. clinical trials. B. examining the entire theory in a study. C. testing the accuracy of its propositions. D. testing the adequacy of its conceptual definitions.

C. testing the accuracy of its propositions. Theory testing studies examine the accuracy of the theoretical propositions.

Which of the following statements is true regarding the connection of theory to qualitative research? Qualitative research: A. can guide or be derived from theory. B. cannot generate grand theories due to lack of statistics. C. is based on middle range theories. D. leads only to practice model and conceptual frameworks.

A. can guide or be derived from theory. Theory can guide or be derived from qualitative research. Oftentimes qualitative research, as an outcome, generates theory at all levels of usefulness.

An idea expressed in the literature review in which linkages among variables found in previous studies are discussed but are not detailed in an in-depth manner by the researcher is known as a/an ___________. A. implicit framework B. conceptual framework C. concepts D. practice theories

A. implicit framework Implicit frameworks involve rudimentary ideas or themes derived from the literature, which may be used as a framework for a study. A conceptual framework is an abstract, logical structure of meaning. Concepts are defined in a select way to present the ideas relevant to a theory. Practice theories are even more specific than middle range theories and are designed to theoretically propose specific approaches to particular nursing practice situations.

A possible phenomenon appropriate for a middle-range nursing theory would include the: A. cultural variations among Asian groups. B. experiences of Mexican mothers after age 40. C. marginalization of oppressed groups and access to health care D. relationships between energy fields and nursing.

B. experiences of Mexican mothers after age 40. Middle range theories are less abstract and narrower in scope than conceptual models. These types of theories focus on answering particular practice questions and often specify such factors as patients' health conditions, family situations, and nursing actions.

Which of the following techniques can a reviewer use for assistance when critiquing a published study in the area of theory and research frameworks? A. Develop an expertise in a particular statistical method to improve analysis ability. B. Creating a conceptual map of the concepts as described in the study. C. Read other research reports to familiarize oneself with the concepts being studied. D. Write a well-thought-out and well-written study.

B. Creating a conceptual map of the concepts as described in the study. Creating a conceptual map from the concepts as described in the study will assist the reviewer in understanding the relationships the researcher is proposing between the concepts under study.

Of the following critique questions, which one is not related to the framework? A. Did the hypotheses emerge from the framework? B. Was the framework stated in the study purpose? C.Was the methodology adequate to test the framework? D. Were the study findings related to the framework?

B. Was the framework stated in the study purpose? The study purpose is not expected to state the framework.

The nurse understands that a ____________broadly explains phenomena of interest, expresses assumptions, and reflects a philosophical stance. A. implicit framework B. conceptual framework C. concepts D. theory

B. conceptual framework A conceptual framework is an abstract, logical structure of meaning, such as a portion of a theory, that guides the development of the study, is tested in the study, and enables the researcher to link the findings to nursing's body of knowledge. Sometimes the study framework is called the conceptual framework or the theoretical framework in a study. A conceptual framework is an abstract, logical structure of meaning. Concepts are defined in a select way to present the ideas relevant to a theory. Implicit frameworks involve rudimentary ideas or themes derived from the literature, which may be used as a framework for a study.

___________are terms that abstractly describe and name an object, idea, experience, or phenomenon, thus providing it with a separate identity or meaning. A. Implicit frameworks B. Conceptual frameworks C. Concepts D. Practice theories

C. Concepts Concepts are defined in a select way to present the ideas relevant to a theory. Implicit frameworks involve rudimentary ideas or themes derived from the literature, which may be used as a framework for a study. A conceptual framework is an abstract, logical structure of meaning. Practice theories are even more specific than middle range theories and are designed to theoretically propose specific approaches to particular nursing practice situations.

Which type of quantitative study would be expected to have the best developed theoretical framework? A. Correlational B. Descriptive C. Experimental D. Quasi-experimental

C. Experimental Experimental studies are conducted only after previous studies have been conducted to build a sufficient body of knowledge on which to base an experimental study. This body of knowledge is a base on which a well-developed framework can be established.

The nurse understands that _____________ can be developed and tested using laws and principles and applying them to nursing problems. A. Implicit frameworks B. Conceptual frameworks C. Propositions D. Practice theories

C. Propositions A proposition defines the concepts in the study. Practice theories are even more specific than middle range theories and are designed to theoretically propose specific approaches to particular nursing practice situations.Implicit frameworks involve rudimentary ideas or themes derived from the literature, which may be used as a framework for a study. A conceptual framework is an abstract, logical structure of meaning.

The nurse researcher understands which of the following is a concept? A. Blood glucose value of 250 mg/dl B. Dressing change C. Restlessness D. Syringe

C. Restlessness The term "restlessness" abstractly describes and names a phenomenon.

Most theories used in nursing studies are derived from: A. actual situations. B. nursing research. C. other disciplines. D. physiological theories.

C. other disciplines. Most theories used in nursing studies are derived from theories in other disciplines.

The nurse researcher understands that conceptual models are: A. more abstract than theories. B. not testable through research. C. the basis for theories. D. All of the above

D. All of the above All of the statements define conceptual models.

In critiquing a framework, an important question to ask is if the: A. hypotheses, research questions, or objectives emerged from theory propositions. B. methodology was sufficient to test the framework. C. truth or falsity of the framework propositions were tested. D. All of the above

D. All of the above All of these are important in critiquing a framework.

Why would a nurse researcher use a theory in research? A. To interpret findings in relation to the theory B. To spell out the logic for the design of a study C. To test the accuracy of theoretical ideas D. All of the above

D. All of the above The theoretical framework should influence all elements of a study.

The nurse researcher is trying to determine if a framework is needed. Which of the following statements is true? A. Conceptual frameworks are not important in physiological studies. B. Nursing studies have only variables, not concepts. C. There are no physiological theories. D. Frameworks are necessary in health-care related studies.

D. Frameworks are necessary in health-care related studies. Frameworks are an essential component of any study. Conceptual frameworks are important in all studies. Nursing studies have concepts and variables. Physiological theories are common in nursing.

A researcher theorizes that walking three times per week will minimize the likelihood of premature labor in at-risk pregnant women. The researcher initiates a research program to test this theory. This research study is attempting to validate what aspect of theory? A. Development B. Explanation C. Prediction D. Strategies for controlling outcomes

D. Strategies for controlling outcomes Theories are tested through research to determine the correctness of their descriptions, explanations, predictions, and strategies to control outcomes.

Which of the following is true about the relationship between a study framework and the hypotheses? A. Hypotheses are inductively identified within the stated framework. B. If the hypotheses are stated, the researcher does not need to have a framework. C. The hypotheses are not meant to be testable, but the framework is. D. The framework and hypotheses must be congruent with each other.

D. The framework and hypotheses must be congruent with each other. In a well thought out study, the researcher would explain abstractly in the framework why one variable is expected to cause the other. Concretely the idea would be expressed as a hypothesis to be tested through the study methodology.

In critiquing a framework, which of the following is an important question to ask? A. Was the framework clearly identified? B. Was the graphical presentation attractive? C. Were all of the concepts included in the framework? D. Were the study findings related to the framework?

D. Were the study findings related to the framework? If the study findings are not related to the framework, testing of the theoretical ideas will not contribute to the validity of the theory.

The nurse understands that ___________ are specifically designed to theoretically propose specific approaches to particular nursing practice situations. A. implicit framework B. conceptual framework C. concept theories D. practice theories

D. practice theories Practice theories are even more specific than middle range theories and are designed to theoretically propose specific approaches to particular nursing practice situations. A conceptual framework is an abstract, logical structure of meaning. Concepts are defined in a select way to present the ideas relevant to a theory. Implicit frameworks involve rudimentary ideas or themes derived from the literature, which may be used as a framework for a study.

The nurse understands that a ________ is an integrated set of defined concepts and statements that can describe, explain, predict, or control a phenomenon. A. implicit framework B. conceptual framework C. concepts D. theory

D. theory Theory is essential to research because it is the initial inspiration for developing a study. When an idea for a study emerges, researchers have a theory about what the study outcomes will be and why. This theory may not be formally stated or even written, but it is nonetheless an initial theory that stimulates ideas for a study. Concepts are defined in a select way to present the ideas relevant to a theory. A conceptual framework is an abstract, logical structure of meaning, such as a portion of a theory. Implicit frameworks involve rudimentary ideas or themes derived from the literature, which may be used as a framework for a study.