chapter 7

critical appraisal guidelines

1. Is a research framework explicitly identified and described in the study? If so, what is the name of the theory and theorist used for the framework? 2. Are the concepts in the framework conceptually defined? 3. Are the operational definitions of the variables consistent with their associated conceptual definitions? 4. Do the researchers clearly identify the relationship statement(s) or proposition(s) from the framework being examined by the study design? 5. Are the study findings linked back to the framework?

frameworks on middle range theories in nursing studies

These studies test the validity of the middle range theory and examine the parameters within which the middle range theory can be applied.

Research Framework

a brief explanation of a theory or those portions of a theory that are being used to guide a study or that will be tested in a study

propositions

a label given to statements describing relationships among concepts. Theories that are more abstract contain relational statements that are called general propositions

Practice theories

a type of middle range theories that are more specific. They are designed to propose specific approaches to particular nursing practice situations. Some scholars call them *situation-specific theories*

grand nursing theories

abstract, broad scope theory that encompasses nursing actions and patient responses in multiple settings; initial theories were written by nursing scholars in the 70's

research framework

an abstract and logical structure of meaning, such as a portion of a theory, which guides the development of the study and enables the researcher to link the findings to nursing's body of knowledge refers to the concepts and relationships being addressed in a study

construct

broader category or idea that may encompass several concepts. ex: concept- social support -> construct: resources

Connotative definitions

clear statements of the concepts' meaning in the particular theory or study. The conceptual definition that a researcher identifies or develops for a concept comes from a theory and provides a basis for the operational definition.

implicit framework

conceptual ideas guiding a study but not clearly connected or described as a theory; often included in an introduction or literature review as linkages among variables or findings of previous studies

theory

defined as a set of concepts and statements that present a view of a phenomenon. is abstract

middle range theory

describe a single phenomenon or process and are less abstract than theories that are more comprehensive less abstract and narrower in scope than grand nursing theories, but are more abstract than theories that apply to only a specific situation

statements

describe how the concepts are connected to each other in a theory clarifies the type of relationship that exists between or among concepts

abstract idea

focuses on a general view of a phenomenon ex: Family social support has been defined by one group of researchers as "an interpersonal process that is centered on the exchange of information...

Scientific theory

has extensive research evidence to support its claims. Framework concepts are clearly linked to study variables, and valid and reliable methods exist for measuring each concept, related variable, and relational statement in scientific theories.

maps or models

includes all the major concepts in a research framework. Arrows between the concepts indicate the proposed linkages between them. Each linkage shown by an arrow is a graphic illustration of a relational statement (proposition) of the theory

specific proposition

less abstract frameworks (middle range theories) may lead to hypotheses. Hypotheses are developed based on propositions from a grand or middle range theory that comprise the study's framework.

substantive theories

middle range theories are sometimes called substantive theories they are closer to the substance of clinical practice. Substantive theories have clearly identified concepts, definitions of concepts, and relational statements.

conceptual definition

more comprehensive than a denotative (or dictionary) definition and includes associated meanings that the word may have. referred to as connotative because the term brings to mind memories, moods, or images, subtly or indirectly ex: "home" = feelings of security and love researcher identifies or develops for a concept comes from a theory and provides a basis for the operational definition.

variables

narrow in their definition. more specific than a concept. implies that the term is defined so that it is measurable and suggests that numerical values of the term are able to vary (are variable) from one instance to another

Philosophies

rational intellectual explorations of truths or principles of being, knowledge, or conduct. describe viewpoints on what reality is, how knowledge is developed, and which ethical values and principles should guide our practice

Concrete

refers to realities or actual instances—it focuses on the particular, rather than on the general. ex: in the Gomes et al. (2017) study, social support was facilitated by a telephone intervention to educate

tentative theory

newly proposed conceptual structure that has minimal exposure to critique by scholars in the discipline and has undergone little testing

conceptual model

set of highly abstract, related constructs that broadly explains phenomena of interest, expresses assumptions, and reflects a philosophical stance

assumptions

statements that are taken for granted or considered true, even though they have not been scientifically tested

Concepts

terms that abstractly describe and name an object, idea, experience, or phenomenon, thus providing it with a separate identity or meaning

phenomenon,

the conscious awareness of an experience that comprises the lives of humans