Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Overview

Study Notes

Fact vs. Opinion:
- A fact can be verified through research or observation.
- An opinion is a personal belief or judgment that cannot be verified.

Fact: Empirical observation; universally accepted truth.
Idea: Personal conception or belief; less structured than facts.
Concept: A word or cluster of words that describe an object, idea, or event.
Conceptual Framework: A set of interrelated concepts as building blocks of theories.
Hypothesis: A testable prediction; not debatable.
Assumption: Something taken for granted without proof.
Theory: A formal statement organizing ideas to explain events; can influence practice.
Theoretical Framework: Broader structure influencing understanding and application in nursing.

Formulated to provide insights into nursing practices, guiding actions and improving care.

Curriculum Era: Focus on interrelated facts and structured learning.
Research Era: Transition to evidence-based practices and inquiry.
Graduate Education Era: Emphasis on advanced knowledge and specialization.
Theory Area: Development of nursing theories as guiding frameworks.
Theory Utilization Era: Implementation of theories in practical nursing settings.

Metaparadigm Concepts:
- Concept: Core idea describing essential nursing elements.
- Fact vs. Concept: Facts are specific; concepts are abstract and can vary.

Concrete/Empirical: Observable realities with objective existence (e.g., heart pumping blood).
Abstract: Intangible concepts not bound to specific time or place (e.g., peace, justice).

What Theory Is:
- Formal, organized statement to explain phenomena.
- Guides practical actions in nursing and beyond.
What Theory Is Not:
- Not merely fashion or mood swings; it transcends trends and individual feelings.

Purpose: Explains foundational reasons for the theory's creation and specifies applicable contexts.
Concepts and Definitions:
- Concepts are labels defining objects/events; they clarify the scope of the theory.