Nursing Research 1 Lesson 6: Theoretical Framework PDF

NURSING RESEARCH 1 Lesson 6 Developing Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks EDITHA C. SABALBORO,MAN What is a theory? Theories guide nursing procedure. Theories are abstract.  What is a theory? Theories are constructed in order to explain, predict...

NURSING RESEARCH 1 Lesson 6 Developing Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks EDITHA C. SABALBORO,MAN What is a theory? Theories guide nursing procedure. Theories are abstract.  What is a theory? Theories are constructed in order to explain, predict and certain phenomena (e.g. relationships, events, or the behavior). In many instances we are constructing models of reality.  What is a theory? A theory makes generalizations about observations and consists of an interrelated, coherent set of ideas and models.  What is a theory? Theory – “theoria” – vision - A conceptual invention that is used to describe, explain, predict or understand a certain phenomenon.  Characteristics of a theory A phenomenon Interrelated concepts Simple Basis of hypothesis Increasing the general body of knowledge Utilized and applied Consistent Theories versus Conceptual Model : Conceptual Model – a framework for communicating a particular perception of the world. - explains a phenomena of interest, express assumptions and reflects a philosophical stance. Theories versus Conceptual Model : Conceptual Model – a framework for communicating a particular perception of the world. - explains a phenomena of interest, express assumptions and reflects a philosophical stance. Models Models are symbolic representations of phenomena. Models depict a theory or conceptual scheme through the use of symbols or diagrams. Models Models are useful to researchers because they use a minimal amount of words, which tend to be ambiguous, in representing reality. Models Two types of models frequently used in research are mathematic or statistical models and schematic models (or conceptual maps).  Concept After formulating the theoretical framework, the researcher has to develop the conceptual framework of the study. A concept is an image or symbolic representation of an abstract idea. Chinn and Kramer (1999) define a concept as a “complex mental formulation of experience”. Concept – can be defined by a dictionary and commonly used by an educator Ex. Age, sex, wt, ht While the theoretical framework is the theory on which the study is based, the conceptual framework is the operationalization of the theory.  Concept It is the researcher’s own position on the problem and gives direction to the study. It may be an adaptation of a model used in a previous study, with modifications to suit the inquiry.  Constructs Aside from showing the direction of the study, through the conceptual framework, the researcher can be able to show the relationships of the different constructs that he wants to investigate. Constructs - usually combines together two concepts. Ex. Level of performance, nature of environment  Formulating the Theoretical Framework The theoretical framework of the study is a structure that can hold or support a theory of a research work. It presents the theory which explains why the problem under study exists. Thus, the theoretical framework is but a theory that serves as a basis for conducting research. Formulating the Theoretical Framework Purposes: It helps the researcher see clearly the variables of the study; It can provide him with a general framework for data analysis; It is essential in preparing a research proposal using descriptive and experimental methods.