A framework is a brief explanation of a theory or portions of a theory to be tested in a study. A theory is abstract rather than concrete. It focuses on the general. The framework may be implicit or implied.
Chapter Understanding Theory and Research Frameworks Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc Theory’s Role in Research Research is based on theory Theory is the initial inspiration for research study Research helps answer the question, “Was my theory correct?” Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc Frameworks and Theories A framework is a brief explanation of a theory or portions of a theory to be tested in a study A theory is abstract rather than concrete It focuses on the general The framework may be implicit or implied Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc Conceptual Models These are more abstract than theories They explain phenomena of interest and reflect a philosophical stance They cannot be tested via research They may guide further qualitative studies Operational definitions are often found in these models Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc Elements of a Theory Concepts: Abstractly describe and name an object, idea, or phenomenon, thus providing it with a separate identity or meaning Conceptual definition: More comprehensive than a dictionary definition; includes associated meanings a word may have Relational statement: Clarifies the type of relationship that exists between or among concepts Map or model: Graphically shows the interrelationships of the concepts and relational statements Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc Middle Range Theories Less abstract and narrower in scope than conceptual models Emerge from review of studies to build evidence-based practice related to a clinical problem Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc Practice and Intervention Theories Practice theory is prescriptive theory Intervention theory is a form of practice theory These theories direct nursing interventions Practice theory research develops into evidence-based practice Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc Frameworks Frameworks explain the theory Frameworks give relationships of variables This results in the hypothesis, which is testable Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc Problems with Frameworks Inappropriate framework Disconnected framework Multiple frameworks Unidentified framework Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc Select Concepts Based on relevance to phenomenon of concern Must have a concept for every major variable in study Examine problem statement for relevant concepts Include concepts from purpose statement if appropriate Are also called constructs Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 10 Sources of Conceptual Definitions Existing theoretical works Must be used if proposition from theory being tested Always desirable when available Should be directly quoted (if possible) and cited Published concept analyses Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 11 Sources of Conceptual Definitions (cont’d) Previous studies using the concept Publications describing instrument development General literature Performing a concept analysis Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 12 Critiquing a Study Framework Concepts are linked with variables that are measured Concepts are represented in hypotheses, research questions, or objectives The hypotheses, research questions, or objectives are tested statistically The hypotheses, research questions, or objectives emerge from framework propositions Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 13 Critiquing a Study Framework (cont’d) Look for comments connecting findings to specific elements of the framework Search for comments discussing the implications of findings in terms of truth or falsity of framework propositions Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 14 Critiquing a Study Framework (cont’d) Are the findings for each hypothesis, question, or objective consistent with those proposed by the framework? If the findings are not consistent with the framework, was the methodology adequate to test the hypothesis, question, or objective? Are the findings consistent with those of other studies using the same framework (or testing the same propositions)? Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 15 Developing Relational Statements When possible, they should be obtained from existing theoretical works and the source cited Called an existence statement Otherwise, relationships must be proposed by researcher Also called propositions Evidence for validity of statement should be provided Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 16 Critique Guidelines for Statements What statements are expressed within the publication? Are all the study concepts included within the statements? Do the statements reflect back on the Title and Purpose of the study? Are statements expressed as both propositions and hypotheses (or research questions)? Are one or more statements being tested by the study design? Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 17 Conceptual Maps Show interrelationship between concepts and statements Summarize and integrate what is known about a phenomenon more clearly than literary explanations Include all major concepts in a theory Use arrows to explain linkages Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 18 Frameworks for Physiological Studies Derived from physics, physiology, and pathophysiology Theoretical relationships may be considered facts rather than theories Propositions can be developed and tested using these laws and principles Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 19 Frameworks Based on Middle Range Theories Limited scope Particular substantive focus Contain limited number of concepts Focus on limited aspect of relationship Sufficiently general to be interesting Empirically testable Consolidated into wide-range theories Copyright © 2011 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc 20