Evaluation of-a-nursing-theory-nursing-theory-ppt Presentation Transcript
Title: Evaluation of a Nursing Theory
Six Questions are Propose for Complete
Describing Theory. Guide for the Description of Theory
1. What is the
purpose of this
theory?
This question addresses
why the theory was
formulated and reflects
the contexts and
situations to which the
theory can be applied.
Why is this theory formulated?
Is there an overall purpose for the theory?
The purpose is positive, negative, neutral?
is there is specific purpose for the theory
Is there a hierarchy of theory ?
Is the all metapradigm element receiving care, nursing, the person, ,
Society and Environment?
What is the value orientation of the purpose?
Does achieving the theoretic purpose require a nursing context?
Does the purpose reflect understanding, creation of meaning,
explanation, and prediction of phenomena?
When would the theory cases to be applicable? what is the end point?
what purpose not explicitly, embedded in the matrix of the theory can
be identified?
2. What are the
concepts of this
theory?
This question identifies
the ideas that are
structured and related
within the theory. It
questions the qualitative
and quantitative
dimensions of concepts.
Is there one major concept with sub-concepts organized under it?
How many concepts are there ?
How many major (or minor) ones? ?
can the concepts be ordered, related? Arranged into any configuration?
Are there concepts that cannot be interrelated?
Are concepts broad in scope? Narrow?
How abstract or empiric are the concepts broad in scope? Narrow?
What is the balance between highly abstract and highly empiric are concepts?
are defined?
3. How are the This question clarifies Which concepts are defined?
concepts
defined?
the meaning for
concepts within the
theory. It questions how
empiric experience is
represented by the ideas
within the theory.
Which concepts are defined explicitly? Which are implied ?
How much meaning needs to be inferred?
which concepts are defined specifically? generally?
are there competing definitions for some concepts?
Are there similar definitions for different concepts?
Are any concepts defined contrary to common convention?
4. What is the
nature of
relationships?
This question
addresses how
concepts are linked
together. It focuses
on the various forms
relationship
statements can take
and how they give
structure to the
theory.
What are the major relationships within the theory?
Which relationships are obvious? Which are implied?
Do relationships include all concepts? Which are not included?
Are some concepts included in multiple relationships?
Is there a hierarchy of relationships? Do relationships create
relationships? meaning and understanding? describing, explaining?
predicting? What mix of each?
are relationships illustrated?
5. What is the
structure of the
theory?
This question
addresses the overall
form of the
conceptual
interrelationships.
It discerns whether
the theory contains
partial structures or
has one basic form.
How are overall and individual ideas organized?
If outlined, what would the theory look like?
do relationships expand concepts into large wholes or vice versa?
do they link concepts in a linear fashion?
does the structure move concepts away from or toward the purposes?
Are there several structures that emerge? What is their form? Do they
fit together?
6. On what
assumptions does the theory
build?
This question
addresses the basic
truths that underlie
theoretic reasoning.
It questions whether
assumptions reflect
philosophic values
What assumptions underlie the theory?
Are assumptions explicit, implicit, or derivable from context and
meanings?
What are the individual, nurse, society, environment, and health
assumed to be like?
Do assumptions be factually verified?
or factual assertions
factual assertions
Can assumptions be hierarchically arranged or otherwise? ordered?
Guide for the Description of Theory
1
. PURPOSE Why is this theory formulated?
Is there an overall purpose for the theory?
The purpose is positive, negative, neutral?
is there is specific purpose for the theory
Is there a hierarchy of theory ?
Is the all metapradigm element receiving care, nursing, the person, , Society and Environment?
What is the value orientation of the purpose?
Does achieving the theoretic purpose require a nursing context?
Does the purpose reflect understanding, creation of meaning, explanation, and prediction of
phenomena?
When would the theory cases to be applicable? what is the end point?
what purpose not explicitly, embedded in the matrix of the theory can be identified?
2. Concepts Is there one major concept with sub-concepts organized under it?
How many concepts are there ?
How many major (or minor) ones? ?
can the concepts be ordered, related? Arranged into any configuration?
Are there concepts that cannot be interrelated?
Are concepts broad in scope? Narrow?
How abstract or empiric are the concepts broad in scope? Narrow?
What is the balance between highly abstract and highly empiric are concepts? are defined?
3. Definitions Which concepts are defined?
Which concepts are defined explicitly? Which are implied ?
How much meaning needs to be inferred?
which concepts are defined specifically? generally?
are there competing definitions for some concepts?
Are there similar definitions for different concepts?
Are any concepts defined contrary to common convention?
4. Relationships What are the major relationships within the theory?
Which relationships are obvious? Which are implied?
Do relationships include all concepts? Which are not included?
Are some concepts included in multiple relationships?
Is there a hierarchy of relationships? Do relationships create relationships? meaning and understanding?
describing, explaining? predicting? What mix of each?
are relationships illustrated?
5. Structure How are overall and individual ideas organized?
If outlined, what would the theory look like?
do relationships expand concepts into large wholes or vice versa?
do they link concepts in a linear fashion?
does the structure move concepts away from or toward the purposes?
Are there several structures that emerge? What is their form? Do they fit together?
6. Assumptions What assumptions underlie the theory?
Are assumptions explicit, implicit, or derivable from context and meanings?
What are the individual, nurse, society, environment, and health assumed to be like?
Do assumptions be factually verified?
Can assumptions be hierarchically arranged or otherwise? ordered?
Criteria for the evaluation of theory
Accuracy As a noun, Accuracy defined as exactness or precision, while
as an adjective, as without mistakes or errors, perfect, correct
In relation to nursing theory, accuracy pertains to describing
nursing as it exists today, not the nursing of the future or of
the past.
Consistency Kuhn (1977) describes consistency in terms of the theory
being internally consistent as well as being consistent with accepted theories.
Internal consistency described as consistency in language , the
existence of logical order, and connectedness
Inconsistencies should be avoided, a theory with an
inconsistency does not necessitate that the whole theory be
scrapped.
operational definition should be used for concepts, assumptions
and propositions.
It must uses the terms coherent and logically presented to
describe clarity.
Fruitful Fruitful, is related conceptually to criteria to criteria proposed
by others
(Synonymous with fertile, bountiful, productive, and prolific
Kuhn (1977), in describing fruitful, states that theory should
expose new feelings, new phenomenon, or previously
unknown relationships among
Fruitful refers to success in explaining observable
phenomenon and the evlautionon of emperical work resulting
from a theory
Newton-Smith (1981) describes (fertile) as the scope for .
further development.
Consistent with this is Ellis‟s (1968) criteria of generation of
information-the theory should generate hypotheses.
A theory that generate many hypotheses, even some without
high probability, or some that are difficult to test, can
contribute to understanding.
Simplicity Simplicity as an important evaluative criterion not complexity
Meleis (1985) takes a more pragmatic complexity approach:
whether the theory has a lot of phenomena and relationships
(complexity) or if it focuses on fewer concepts and few
(simplicity)?
Simplicity is useful characteristic of a good theory in nursing,
and important in the evaluation of nursing theory.
Scope Scope has been dichotomized as either broad or narrow
“The broader the scope, in terms of the number and variety of
facts or concepts related, the greater is the significance of the
theory
Hardy (1974) states “the more general a theory, the more useful
it is Broad vs. narrow scope can also be dichotomized in
relation to its generalities, or the use of the term theory and
conceptual framework/ model.
Scope may be conceptualized in relation to the level of theory,
e.g. a grand theory or middle range theory.
Acceptance Meleis (1985)states acceptance “when the theory begins to
cross several concentric circles from where it originated, its
circle of contagiousness increases and we can infer that the
theory is receiving.
Laudan (1977) discusses the importance of acceptance and
pursuit by other members of the discipline in that the theory
shows promise if others are accepting and „buying into‟ the
theory.
It is important for the advancement of nursing as a profession
to have members of the discipline communicate regarding its
multicultural acceptance and adoption by others.
Testability Testability refers to the theory‟s research potential or empirical
adequacy.
Testability has been long felt to be an important criterion for
the evaluation of nursing theory, and touted as a method to
advance the science of nursing.
lack of empirical validation of nursing theory has hindered the
development of the nursing science
have proposed criteria for evaluating theory-testing research,
and discuss important philosophical and methodological issues
in the testing of nursing theory.
Socio-cultural
utility
Socio-cultural utility encompasses social congruence and
social significance.
Social congruence encompasses the beliefs, values and
expectations of different cultures that should shape and direct
the type of theory most useful to it.
Meleis (1985) explains, self-care and independence are goals
consistent with some cultures‟ value systems but not others.
this is inappropriate in some societies and cultures, and should
be avoided.
Fruitful, is related conceptually to criteria17. Fruitful ( 效果好的 ,收益多 ) Synonymous with fertile, bountiful,
productive, andproposed by others. Kuhn (1977), in describing fruitful, states that theory should exposeprolific. new
feelings, new phenomenon, or previously unknown relationships among Fruitful refers to success in explaining
observablephenomenon already known. phenomenon, and the evaluation of empirical work resulting from a theory.
Newton-Smith (1981) describes (fertile) as the scope for18. Fruitful The theory should contain ideas to further
research.further development. Consistent with this is Ellis‟s (1968) criteria of generation of information-the theory should
generate Ellis (1968) states “A theory that generateshypotheses. many hypotheses, even some without high probability, or
some that are difficult to test, can contribute to understanding.
Simplicity as an important evaluative criterion19. Simplicity( 單純 ;簡單 ) (Kuhn, 1977; Newton-Smith, 1981; Chin and
Jacobs, 1983) others propose Meleis (1985) takes a more pragmatic(complexity (Ellis, 1968; Barnum, 1990). 務實的 ) approach: whether the theory has a lot of phenomena and relationships (complexity) or if it focuses on fewer concepts and few
relationships Kuhn‟s, (1977) describes as “bringing order to phenomenon that in(simplicity)? Simplicity is a seemingly(
表面上 )its absence would be isolated and confused”. useful characteristic of a good theory in nursing, and important in the evaluation of nursing theory.
Scope has been dichotomized as either broad or narrow.20. Scope( 範圍 ) Ellis (1968) and Hardy (1974). “The broader the scope, in terms of the number and variety of facts or concepts related, the greater is the significance of the Hardy (1974) states
“the more general a theory, the more useful ittheory” . Broad vs. narrow scope can also be dichotomized in relation to
itsis.” generalities, or the use of the term theory and conceptual framework/ model. Scope may be conceptualized in
relation to the level of theory, eg. a grand theory or middle range theory.
Meleis (1985)states acceptance “when the theory begins to21. Acceptance cross several concentric circles from where it
originated, its circle of contagiousness( 蔓延的 ) increases and we can infer that the theory is receiving Laudan (1977)
discusses themore acceptability, uninfluenced by the theorist” . importance of acceptance and pursuit by other members of
the discipline in that the theory shows promise if others are accepting and „buying into‟ the theory. It is important for the
advancement( 促進 ) of nursing as a profession to have members of the discipline communicate regarding its multicultural
acceptance and adoption( 採用 ) by others.
Testability refers to the theory‟s research potential or22. Testability Testability has been long felt to be an important
criterionempirical adequacy. for the evaluation of nursing theory, and touted ( 招徠 ) as a method to advance Acton et al.
(1991)and Silva (1986) describe how thethe science of nursing. lack of empirical validation of nursing theory has hindered
the development of Silva and Sorrel1 (1992) have proposed criteria for evaluatingnursing science. theory-testing research,
and discuss important philosophical and methodological issues in the testing of nursing theory.
Socio-cultural utility encompasses( 包圍 ) social23. Socio-cultural utility Johnson (1974), Meleis (1985) andcongruence(
適合 ) and social significance Social congruenceFawcett (1989)in their criteria for the evaluation of theory. encompasses the
beliefs, values and expectations of different cultures that As Meleis (1985)should shape and direct the type of theory most
useful to it. explains, self-care and independence are goals consistent with some cultures‟ Theories with such goals would be
incongruent(value systems but not others. 不一致 的 ) and inappropriate in some societies and cultures, and should be avoided.
Nurses in all roles24. Conclusion of criteria for the evaluation of theory will hopefully use these criteria proposed here to
guide their choice of theory There has been awhen using nursing theory in practice, education and research. dearth ( 缺乏 )
of empirical testing of theories in nursing, testing is only one A set of criteria for the evaluation ofpart of the evaluation of
theory. theory has been proposed here that includes: accuracy, consistency, fruitfulness, simplicity/complexity, scope,
acceptability and socio-cultural utility.
Meleis, A. I. (2007). Theoretical Nursing: Development25. Theory Critique & Progress (4rd ed.). Philadelphia. PA:
Lippincott.(Ch9)(pp.186- 211)
26. Table 11-5THEORY CRITIQUE— RELATIONSHIP BETWEENSTRUCTURE AND FUNCTION; DIAGRAM OF
THEORY;AND CIRCLE OF CONTAGIOUSNESSCRITERIA UNITS OF ANALYSISRelationship Claritybetween structure
Consistencyand function Simplicity/Complexity Tautology( 同義反複 )/Teleology( 目的論 )Diagram of theory Visual and graphic presentation Logical representation ClarityCircle of Geographical origin of theory and geographicalcontagiousness
spread influence of theorist vs. theory
27. Table 11-6THEORY CRITIQUE—USEFULNESSCRITERIA UNITS OF ANALYSISPractice Direction Cost
effectiveness Applicability Relevance GeneralizabilityResearch Consistency Predictability TestabilityEducation Philosophical
statement Concepts ObjectivesAdministration Structure of care Organization of care Guidelines for patient care Patient
classification system
28. Table 11-7THEORY CRITIQUE—EXTERNAL COMPONENTSOF THEORYCRITERIA UNITS OF
ANALYSISPersonal values Theorist implicit/explicit values Critic implicit/explicit valuesCongruence with other
Complementarity( 補足 )professional values Esotericism( 祕傳性 )Congruence with social Beliefs Competitionvalues Values CustomsSocial significance Value to humanity
This question29. Forming a complete critical reflection1. Is this clear? Clarity and consistencyaddresses the clarity and
consistency of presentation. This question addressesmay be both semantic and structural.2. Is this simple? Complexitythe
number of structural components and relationships within theory. implies numerous relational components within theory;
simplicity implies fewer relational components.
This question30. Forming a complete critical reflection3. Is this general? Generality infers a wideaddresses the scope of
experiences covered by theory. scope of phenomena, whereas specificity narrows the range of events included in This
question addresses the extent to whichtheory.4. Is this accessible? concepts within the theory are grounded in empirically
identifiable phenomena.5. This question addresses the extent to which theory leads toIs this important? valued nursing goals
in practice, research, and education.
31. Guide for the critical reflection of theory 1.HOW CLEAR IS THIS THEORY? Are significant concepts not defined?
Are Are major concepts defined? Are words coined? Are coineddefinitions clear? Congruent( 適合的 )? Consistent?
Are words borrowed from other disciplines and used differentlywords defined? Is the amount of explanation appropriate?
Too much? Notin this context? Not helpful? Needed Are examples or diagrams helpful? meaningful? enough? and not
present?
Are basic assumptions consistent with32. 1.HOW CLEAR IS THIS THEORY? Are the Is the view of person and
environment compatible( 能共 處 )?purposes? Are Are different terms defined similarly?same terms defined differently?
Are compatible andconcepts used in a manner consistent with their definition? Cancoherent( 協調一致的 ) structures
suggested for different parts of the theory? Are there any ambiguities( 模稜兩可 ) as a result ofthe theory be followed?
Does the theorist accomplish what she or he sets outsequence of presentation? to do?
How many relationships are contained33. 2.HOW SIMPLE IS THIS THEORY? How many concepts are How are the
relationships organized?within the theory? Are some concepts differentiated into sub-concepts?contained in the theory?
Is the theoryCan concepts be combined without losing theoretic meaning? Does the theory tend to describe,complex some
areas and not in others? explain, or predict? Impact understanding? Create meaning?
How specific are the purposes of this34. 3.HOW GENERAL IS THIS THEORY Is thus theorytheory? Do they apply to
all or only some practice areas? When? Is the purposespecific to nursing? If not, who else could use it? Why? If
subpurposes exist, do they reflect nursingjustifiably a nursing purpose? actions? How broad are the concepts within the
theory?
How Are the concepts broad or narrow?35. 4.HOW ACCESSIBLE IS THIS THEORY Are the concepts‟specific or
general are definitions within the theory? empiric indicators identifiable in reality? Are they within the realm of Do the
definitions provided for the concepts adequately reflect theirnursing? Is a very narrow definition offered for a broad
concept? A broadmeanings? If words are coined, are they defined?meaning for a narrow concept?
Does the theory have potential to36. 5.HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS THEORY? Does the theory influenceinfluence
nursing actions? If so, to what end? Hoenursing education? research? If so, to what end? Is that end desirable? specific are
the purposes of the theory? Do they provide a general framework Is the theory‟s positionwithin which to act or a means to
predict phenomena? about people, about nursing, and about the environment consistent with nursing‟s Given the purpose of
the theory and its orientation, what ofphilosophy? significance for nursing or health care has been omitted?
Is the started or implied purpose one37. 5.HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS THEORY? Will use of the theory help or
hinderthat is important to nursing? Why? Will application of this theory resolve any importantnursing in any way? Is the
theory futuristic andissues in nursing? Will it resolve any problems? Will research based on the theory answer important
questions?forward-looking? Do I like this theory? Why?Are the concepts within the domain of nursing?
Theory development and evaluation are cyclical, continuous,38. Conclusion Theory evaluationand dynamic process. One
can not exist without the other. including description, concept analysis, theory critique, testing and support. These process are
based on the view that science is a human process that includes not only valid findings but also observation, agreements, useful
Theory evaluation is central to the development ofsolutions to problems. theory; it is the responsibility of each clinician,
academician.
Kuhn(1977) “we can delineate such criteria and that39. Conclusion accuracy, consistency, broad scope, simplicity and
fruitfulness in research are However, “everyessential as objective criteria for judging competing theories” individuals choice
between competing theories depends on a mixture of objective The subjective factors are dependent on individualsand
subjective factors” Both objective and subjective factors have apreferences and personalities. place in our understanding of
the philosophy of science.
40. Adaptation Model
41. Exercise: Application of Roys Adaptation Model in Nursing Practicehttp://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/applicat1.
What is the purpose of this theory?2. What are the concepts of this theory?3. How are the concepts defined?4. What is the
nature of relationships?5. What is the structure of the theory? .6. On what assumptions does the theory build?
Evaluation of-a-nursing-theory-nursing-theory-ppt Presentation Transcript
1. Evaluation of a Nursing Theory
2. Forming a Complete Description:Six Questions are Propose for Describing Theory.
3. 1. What is the purpose of this theory? This question addresses why the theory was formu- lated and reflects the contexts and
situations to which the theory can be applied.2. What are the concepts of this theory? This question identifies the ideas that are
structured and related within the theory. It questions the quali- tative and quantitative dimensions of concepts.3. How are the
concepts defined? This question clarifies the meaning for concepts within the theory. It questions how empiric experi- ence is
represented by the ideas within the theory.
4. 4. What is the nature of relationships? This question addresses how concepts are linked together. It focuses on the various
forms relationship statements can take and how they give structure to the theory.5. What is the structure of the theory? This
question addresses the overall form of the con- ceptual interrelationships. It discerns whether the theory contains partial
structures or has one basic form.6. On what assumptions does the theory build? This question addresses the basic truths that
underlie theoretic reasoning. It questions whether assumptions reflect philosophic values or factual assertions factual
assertions.
Why is this theory5. Guide for the Description of Theory 1. PURPOSE Is there an overall purpose for the theory? A
hierarchy offormulated? Is there a purpose for the nurse? Thepurposes? Separate numerous purposes? How broad or
narrow is theperson receiving care? Society? Environment? What is the value orientation of the purpose? Positive,
negative,purpose? neutral?
Does achieving the theoretic purpose require a nursing6. 1. PURPOSE Does the purpose reflect understanding? Creation of
meaning?context? When would the theoryDescription, explanation, and prediction of phenomena? What purpose not
explicitly( 明確地cases to be applicable? What is the end point? ) embedded( 植入 ) in the matrix of the theory can be identified?
Is there one major concept with sub-concepts organized under7. 2. CONCEPTS Can the How many major (or minor)
ones? How many concepts are there?it? concepts be ordered, related? Arranged into any configuration?
Are Are there concepts that cannot be interrelated?8. 2. CONCEPTS How abstract( 抽象 ) or empiric( 經驗 ) are
theconcepts broad in scope? Narrow? What is the balance between highly abstract and highly empiricconcepts? concepts?
Which Which concepts are defined? Which are not?9. 3. DEFINITIONS How much meaningconcepts are defined
explicitly? Which are implied( 隱喻 )? Are Which concepts are defined specifically? Generally?needs to be inferred ?
there competing definitions for some concepts? Are there similar definitions for Are any concepts defined contrary to common
convention( 習俗different concepts? , 常規 )?
What are the major relationships within the theory?10. 4. RELATIONSHIPS Do relationships includeWhich
relationships are obvious? Which are implied? Are some concepts included in multipleall concepts? Which are not included?
Is there a hierarchy of relationships? Do relationships createrelationships? meaning and understanding? Do they do this by
describing, explaining? Are relationships illustrated?Predicting? What mix of each?
If How are overall and individual ideas organized?11. 5. STRUCTURE Do relationships expand conceptsoutlined, what
would the theory look like? into large wholes or vice versa( 反之亦然 )? Do they link concepts in a linear Does the structure
move concepts away from or toward the purposes?fashion? Are there several structures that emerge( 浮現 )? What is their form? Do they fit together?
What assumptions underlie the theory? Are assumptions12. 6. ASSUMPTIONS What areexplicit, implicit, or derivable(
可推論 的 ) from context and meanings? Dothe individual, nurse, society, environment, and health assumed to be like?
Could assumptions beassumptions have an obvious value orientation? What is it? Can assumptions be hierarchically
arranged or otherwisefactually verified? ordered?
Dudley-Brown, S. L. (1997). The13. Criteria for the Evaluation of Theory evaluation of nursing theory: a method for our
madness. International Journal of Nursing Study, 34(1), 76-83.
Accuracy, according to Webster‟s, as a noun, is14. Accuracy ( 正確 ,準確度 ) defined as exactness or precision, while as
an adjective, as without mistakes or Synonyms( Kuhn (1977) accuracy as a characteristic of a good theory.errors. In
relation to同義字 ) of accuracy include perfect, just, truthful, and correct. nursing theory, accuracy pertains( 附 屬 ) to describing nursing as it exists today, not the nursing of the future or of the past.
Consistency is used frequently in describing15. Consistency ( 一致 ,相容 ) Kuhn (1977) describes consistency incriteria for the evaluation of theory. terms of the theory being internally consistent as well as being consistent with Internal
consistency, however, has been described by anotheraccepted theories. philosopher, Newton- Smith (198 l), as consistency in
language, the existence of logical order, and connectedness.
Inconsistencies should be avoided, a theory with an16. Consistency inconsistency does not necessitate that the whole
theory be scrapped( 碎片 ). Meleis (1985)describes, is to have consistent operational definitions and Meleis alsoconcepts that are consistent with assumptions and propositions. uses the terms coherent and logically presented to describe clarity.
Fruitful, is related conceptually to criteria17. Fruitful ( 效果好的 ,收益多 ) Synonymous with fertile, bountiful,
productive, andproposed by others. Kuhn (1977), in describing fruitful, states that theory should exposeprolific. new
feelings, new phenomenon, or previously unknown relationships among Fruitful refers to success in explaining
observablephenomenon already known. phenomenon, and the evaluation of empirical work resulting from a theory.
Newton-Smith (1981) describes (fertile) as the scope for18. Fruitful The theory should contain ideas to further
research.further development. Consistent with this is Ellis‟s (1968) criteria of generation of information-the theory should
generate Ellis (1968) states “A theory that generateshypotheses. many hypotheses, even some without high probability, or
some that are difficult to test, can contribute to understanding.
Simplicity as an important evaluative criterion19. Simplicity( 單純 ;簡單 ) (Kuhn, 1977; Newton-Smith, 1981; Chin and
Jacobs, 1983) others propose Meleis (1985) takes a more pragmatic(complexity (Ellis, 1968; Barnum, 1990). 務實的 ) approach: whether the theory has a lot of phenomena and relationships (complexity) or if it focuses on fewer concepts and few
relationships Kuhn‟s, (1977) describes as “bringing order to phenomenon that in(simplicity)? Simplicity is a seemingly(
表面上 )its absence would be isolated and confused”. useful characteristic of a good theory in nursing, and important in the evaluation of nursing theory.
Scope has been dichotomized as either broad or narrow.20. Scope( 範圍 ) Ellis (1968) and Hardy (1974). “The broader the scope, in terms of the number and variety of facts or concepts related, the greater is the significance of the Hardy (1974) states
“the more general a theory, the more useful ittheory” . Broad vs. narrow scope can also be dichotomized in relation to
itsis.” generalities, or the use of the term theory and conceptual framework/ model. Scope may be conceptualized in
relation to the level of theory, eg. a grand theory or middle range theory.
Meleis (1985)states acceptance “when the theory begins to21. Acceptance cross several concentric circles from where it
originated, its circle of contagiousness( 蔓延的 ) increases and we can infer that the theory is receiving Laudan (1977)
discusses themore acceptability, uninfluenced by the theorist” . importance of acceptance and pursuit by other members of
the discipline in that the theory shows promise if others are accepting and „buying into‟ the theory. It is important for the
advancement( 促進 ) of nursing as a profession to have members of the discipline communicate regarding its multicultural
acceptance and adoption( 採用 ) by others.
Testability refers to the theory‟s research potential or22. Testability Testability has been long felt to be an important
criterionempirical adequacy. for the evaluation of nursing theory, and touted ( 招徠 ) as a method to advance Acton et al.
(1991)and Silva (1986) describe how thethe science of nursing. lack of empirical validation of nursing theory has hindered
the development of Silva and Sorrel1 (1992) have proposed criteria for evaluatingnursing science. theory-testing research,
and discuss important philosophical and methodological issues in the testing of nursing theory.
Socio-cultural utility encompasses( 包圍 ) social23. Socio-cultural utility Johnson (1974), Meleis (1985) andcongruence(
適合 ) and social significance Social congruenceFawcett (1989)in their criteria for the evaluation of theory. encompasses the
beliefs, values and expectations of different cultures that As Meleis (1985)should shape and direct the type of theory most
useful to it. explains, self-care and independence are goals consistent with some cultures‟ Theories with such goals would be
incongruent(value systems but not others. 不一致 的 ) and inappropriate in some societies and cultures, and should be avoided.
Nurses in all roles24. Conclusion of criteria for the evaluation of theory will hopefully use these criteria proposed here to
guide their choice of theory There has been awhen using nursing theory in practice, education and research. dearth ( 缺乏 )
of empirical testing of theories in nursing, testing is only one A set of criteria for the evaluation ofpart of the evaluation of
theory. theory has been proposed here that includes: accuracy, consistency, fruitfulness, simplicity/complexity, scope,
acceptability and socio-cultural utility.
Meleis, A. I. (2007). Theoretical Nursing: Development25. Theory Critique & Progress (4rd ed.). Philadelphia. PA:
Lippincott.(Ch9)(pp.186- 211)
26. Table 11-5THEORY CRITIQUE— RELATIONSHIP BETWEENSTRUCTURE AND FUNCTION; DIAGRAM OF
THEORY;AND CIRCLE OF CONTAGIOUSNESSCRITERIA UNITS OF ANALYSISRelationship Claritybetween structure
Consistencyand function Simplicity/Complexity Tautology( 同義反複 )/Teleology( 目的論 )Diagram of theory Visual and graphic presentation Logical representation ClarityCircle of Geographical origin of theory and geographicalcontagiousness
spread influence of theorist vs. theory
27. Table 11-6THEORY CRITIQUE—USEFULNESSCRITERIA UNITS OF ANALYSISPractice Direction Cost
effectiveness Applicability Relevance GeneralizabilityResearch Consistency Predictability TestabilityEducation Philosophical
statement Concepts ObjectivesAdministration Structure of care Organization of care Guidelines for patient care Patient
classification system
28. Table 11-7THEORY CRITIQUE—EXTERNAL COMPONENTSOF THEORYCRITERIA UNITS OF
ANALYSISPersonal values Theorist implicit/explicit values Critic implicit/explicit valuesCongruence with other
Complementarity( 補足 )professional values Esotericism( 祕傳性 )Congruence with social Beliefs Competitionvalues Values CustomsSocial significance Value to humanity
This question29. Forming a complete critical reflection1. Is this clear? Clarity and consistencyaddresses the clarity and
consistency of presentation. This question addressesmay be both semantic and structural.2. Is this simple? Complexitythe
number of structural components and relationships within theory. implies numerous relational components within theory;
simplicity implies fewer relational components.
This question30. Forming a complete critical reflection3. Is this general? Generality infers a wideaddresses the scope of
experiences covered by theory. scope of phenomena, whereas specificity narrows the range of events included in This
question addresses the extent to whichtheory.4. Is this accessible? concepts within the theory are grounded in empirically
identifiable phenomena.5. This question addresses the extent to which theory leads toIs this important? valued nursing goals
in practice, research, and education.
31. Guide for the critical reflection of theory 1.HOW CLEAR IS THIS THEORY? Are significant concepts not defined?
Are Are major concepts defined? Are words coined? Are coineddefinitions clear? Congruent( 適合的 )? Consistent?
Are words borrowed from other disciplines and used differentlywords defined? Is the amount of explanation appropriate?
Too much? Notin this context? Not helpful? Needed Are examples or diagrams helpful? meaningful? enough? and not
present?
Are basic assumptions consistent with32. 1.HOW CLEAR IS THIS THEORY? Are the Is the view of person and
environment compatible( 能共 處 )?purposes? Are Are different terms defined similarly?same terms defined differently?
Are compatible andconcepts used in a manner consistent with their definition? Cancoherent( 協調一致的 ) structures
suggested for different parts of the theory? Are there any ambiguities( 模稜兩可 ) as a result ofthe theory be followed?
Does the theorist accomplish what she or he sets outsequence of presentation? to do?
How many relationships are contained33. 2.HOW SIMPLE IS THIS THEORY? How many concepts are How are the
relationships organized?within the theory? Are some concepts differentiated into sub-concepts?contained in the theory?
Is the theoryCan concepts be combined without losing theoretic meaning? Does the theory tend to describe,complex some
areas and not in others? explain, or predict? Impact understanding? Create meaning?
How specific are the purposes of this34. 3.HOW GENERAL IS THIS THEORY Is thus theorytheory? Do they apply to
all or only some practice areas? When? Is the purposespecific to nursing? If not, who else could use it? Why? If
subpurposes exist, do they reflect nursingjustifiably a nursing purpose? actions? How broad are the concepts within the
theory?
How Are the concepts broad or narrow?35. 4.HOW ACCESSIBLE IS THIS THEORY Are the concepts‟specific or
general are definitions within the theory? empiric indicators identifiable in reality? Are they within the realm of Do the
definitions provided for the concepts adequately reflect theirnursing? Is a very narrow definition offered for a broad
concept? A broadmeanings? If words are coined, are they defined?meaning for a narrow concept?
Does the theory have potential to36. 5.HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS THEORY? Does the theory influenceinfluence
nursing actions? If so, to what end? Hoenursing education? research? If so, to what end? Is that end desirable? specific are
the purposes of the theory? Do they provide a general framework Is the theory‟s positionwithin which to act or a means to
predict phenomena? about people, about nursing, and about the environment consistent with nursing‟s Given the purpose of
the theory and its orientation, what ofphilosophy? significance for nursing or health care has been omitted?
Is the started or implied purpose one37. 5.HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS THEORY? Will use of the theory help or
hinderthat is important to nursing? Why? Will application of this theory resolve any importantnursing in any way? Is the
theory futuristic andissues in nursing? Will it resolve any problems? Will research based on the theory answer important
questions?forward-looking? Do I like this theory? Why?Are the concepts within the domain of nursing?
Theory development and evaluation are cyclical, continuous,38. Conclusion Theory evaluationand dynamic process. One
can not exist without the other. including description, concept analysis, theory critique, testing and support. These process are
based on the view that science is a human process that includes not only valid findings but also observation, agreements, useful
Theory evaluation is central to the development ofsolutions to problems. theory; it is the responsibility of each clinician,
academician.
Kuhn(1977) “we can delineate such criteria and that39. Conclusion accuracy, consistency, broad scope, simplicity and
fruitfulness in research are However, “everyessential as objective criteria for judging competing theories” individuals choice
between competing theories depends on a mixture of objective The subjective factors are dependent on individualsand
subjective factors” Both objective and subjective factors have apreferences and personalities. place in our understanding of
the philosophy of science.
40. Adaptation Model
41. Exercise: Application of Roys Adaptation Model in Nursing Practicehttp://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/applicat1.
What is the purpose of this theory?2. What are the concepts of this theory?3. How are the concepts defined?4. What is the
nature of relationships?5. What is the structure of the theory? .6. On what assumptions does the theory build?