Underlying Framework Nursing Theory Essay Assignment Paper
Underlying Framework Nursing Theory Essay Assignment Paper
Watson’s Caring Theory, a grand theory in nursing, is the underlying framework for United
States University College of Nursing’s programs.
Identify a theory within her framework.
Clearly identify how she defines the concepts and propositions between them. Report them to
the class. Using the readings for the week, discuss why her work is considered a grand theory.
1. essay: A minimum of 250 words, not including references
Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA from within the last 5 years
2. essay: A minimum of 150 words, not including references
Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA per post from within the last 5
years
Demonstrate ability to comprehend and critique components, structure and development
of theories/models in nursing and related fields.
CLO 3: Synthesize nursing theories in the development of advanced practice nursing.
READINGS:
What’s In a Name?
There are frameworks, conceptual models, middle range theories, grand theories, and
metaparadigms. The differences may appear to be minor but from the perspective of using
theories and conducting research, the differences are huge. This module will explore the
differences.
It is impossible to fully explain nursing theory without referencing Jacqueline Fawcett at some
point in the discussion. Dr. Fawcett has contributed significantly to the science of nursing
through the development of the Metaparadigm of Nursing, the identification of five components
of nursing knowledge, and extensive study and explanation of nursing theory. In 2005, Fawcett
placed nursing knowledge components into a structural holarchy of
Metaparadigm
Philosophy
Conceptual Model
Theory
Empirical Indicator
Underlying Framework Nursing Theory
This holarchy does not apply to just nursing knowledge but to the knowledge of any discipline.
Philosophies are world views of a discipline. While this level is an extensive thread guiding
conceptual models, it is rarely expressed in research. This week will concentrate on conceptual
Underlying Framework Nursing Theory
models and theories. Think of conceptual models as a framework with concepts clearly
identified and general principles of their relationships expressed. A theory is a very specific
relationship between concepts within the model. The readings for this week go into theories,
grand theories, frameworks in detail. We will explore the Metaparadigm of Nursing in a later
module.
Underlying Framework Nursing Theory
The end purpose of theory is to guide practice and research. In order to conduct research,
variables are used to statistically compare concepts. Empirical Indicators are variables that very
precisely measure concepts. For example, if your theory states “knowledge as a component of
sociocultural orientation basic conditioning factor enhances prevention of hazards”, how will
you measure research on this theory? Empirical indicators specifically relate theory to research
questions.
Underlying Framework Nursing Theory
In this case, your research may be comparing scores on a child passenger safety
questionnaire with the number of errors in the installation of a vehicle child safety restraint. The
score on the questionnaire and the number of errors are very clearly measurable indicators. The
proposition is that higher scores on the questionnaire will correlate with fewer errors in restraint
installation. If this is found to be true, then there is support for the theory “knowledge as a
component of sociocultural orientation basic conditioning factor enhances prevention of
hazards”.