Chapter 4

Operational definition

Specifies how the concept will be measured. That is, the operational definition defines what instruments will be used to assess the presence of the concept and will be used to describe the amount or degree to which the concept exists.

Middle range theory

contain a limited number of concepts and are focused on a limited aspect of reality. Middle range nursing theories are more easily tested through research and more readily used as frameworks for research studies examples are: • Pender's Health Promotion Model (Pender et al., 2006) • Theory of Uncertainty in Illness (Mishel, 1988, 1990, 1999) • Thoery of Holistic Comfort (Kolcaba, 1994, 2009) Examples of development, use, and testing of middle range theories are becoming increasingly common in nursing literature.

Concept

Framework that the researcher creates. The plan or blueprint for conduct of a study

Conceptual (or theoretical) framework

Is a set of interrelated concepts that represent an image of a phenomenon. The terms conceptual framework/Theoretical Framework are often used interchangeably. The conceptual/Theoretical framework refers to a structure that provides guidance for research or practice. The framework identifies the key concepts (abstract ideas) and describes their relationships to each other and to the phenomena (variables) of concern to nursing. It serves as the foundation on which a study can be developed or as a map to aid in the design of the study.

Conceptual definition

Much like a dictionary definition, conveying the general meaning of the concept. However, the conceptual definition goes beyond the general language meaning found in the dictionary by defining or explaining the concept as it is rooted in the theoretical literature.

Situation-specific (micro) theory

are more specific than middle range theories and are composed of a limited number of concept. They are most narrow in scope and at the lowest level for abstraction (micro), explain a small aspect of phenomena and processes of interest to nurses, and are usually limited to specific populations or field of practice. • Theory of the peaceful end of life (Ruland & Moore, 1998) • Theory of Chronic Sorrow (Eakes, Burke, & Hainsworth, 1998) • Asian Immigrant women's menopausal symptoms experience in the U.S. (IM, 2010) • Theory of Caucasians cancer pain experience (IM, 2006) • Becoming a mother (Mercer, 2004)

Grand nursing theory

are sometimes referred to as nursing conceptual models and include the theories/models that were developed to describe the discipline of nursing as a whole. This comprises the works of nurse theorists such as: Florence Nightingale Virginia Henderson Martha Rogers Dorothea Orem and Betty Newman. Most abstract level of theory. are all-inclusive conceptual structures that tend to include views on person, health, and environment to create a perspective of nursing. This most abstract level of theory, broadest in scope