Theory Development and Evaluation

The Science and Art of Theory Development and Evaluation

Scholars in various disciplines have conducted research and developed various theories to explain different phenomena’ existence or relationship. Hypotheses are created to fulfill a need and are always formed from observations, empirical studies, and literature review to produce a theory that explains a phenomenon, relationship of phenomena, or predicts the occurrence of phenomena. It is essential to evaluate a postulation before its application to test its correctness. Some theories, such as those in health sciences, are not applicable before testing and evaluation. It is only possible to determine a theory’s effectiveness by testing after the predicted phenomenon occurs. However, evaluation is possible using scientific and artistic approaches.

The various criteria for evaluating theories are scope, logical consistency, parsimony, utility, testability, heurism, and test of time. Scope, utility, and logical consistency are arts of theory development and evaluation. A theory must be within the scope, which means somebody cannot develop a postulation beyond their purview. For instance, an expert in the medical field cannot create a political leadership theory because it is not within their purview. Logical consistency means that a hypothesis should be correct at all times. A postulation must not contain contradicting statements at different times. The utility is the art of testing the theory’s usefulness and is evaluated based on its contribution to the field on which it is based (Fawcett, 2005). A postulation must bring a new aspect into the discipline. A hypothesis that repeats existing theories does not pass the test of utility.

Parsimony, testability, heurism, and test of time are scientific approaches to theory development and evaluation. Parsimony means that a theory should have a few concepts to be effective. A hypothesis with many arguments and ideas does not pass the parsimony test (Redmond, 2015). The science behind this is that the higher the number of concepts and arguments, the more difficult it is to produce a practical theory. Heurism refers to the ability of a hypothesis to create new thinking and stimulate new thoughts. A reasonable postulation must contribute to the discipline by bringing a unique aspect or thought to the field. Other researchers and theorists should be able to apply the theory or use the hypothesis as a basis for coming up with other postulations (Avant, 2009).

A good theory must pass testability and test of time. Testability means that its basis should be reliable evidence, and it should be possible for people to verify the evidence behind the theory. A theory can is not a statement without any backing of empirical research, literature review, or any other form of verifiable proof (Avant, 2009). The test of time means that a theory must be predictive and powerful. Predictability relates to the ability of the postulation to give a good reason to be adopted. This concept requires a good and convincing explanation of the thinking behind the hypothesis. A hypothesis should be influential because it should have a considerable impact on people’s lives or the relevant discipline. A postulation must provide a milestone in the field (Fawcett, 2005). If a theory does not have a significant influence, it does not pass the power test. Lastly, a postulation must withstand the test of time. Similar studies on similar objects or subjects at any time should be able to give similar conclusions and the same theory.

Theory is a framework or model for understanding and observation, which determines what we perceive and how we perceive it. Hypothesis lets a researcher form links between concrete and abstract statements. Postulation asserts a link between different phenomena and explains the relationship between various variables. Hypothesis organizes different ideas and guides research. Facts may not be useful if they lack meaning unless combined into a theoretical framework. The strength of theory increases as supporting evidence becomes available. Postulations can form a basis for prediction and can help produce new research. When evaluating a theory, it is crucial to consider various aspects such as coherency and logic of the hypothesis, testability of theory-based claims and predictions, the fitness of postulation to available data, and its potential impact on the world

References

Avant, K. (2009). Reading and evaluating theory in a research publication. Perioperative Nursing Clinics, 4(3), 231-236. https://doi: 10.1016/j.cpen.2009.05.002

Fawcett, J. (2005). Criteria for evaluation of theory. Nursing Science Quarterly, 18(2),131-5. https://DOI:10.1177/0894318405274823

Redmond, M. (2015). Theory development and evaluation. IOWA State University Digital Repository. https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=engl_reports

Hello all, this is the information I found from the article to answer these questions. 

• dependent variable(s) and the instrument(s) used to measure them.

The dependent variables in this study were PTSD severity and symptoms of avoidance, intrusion, and hyperarousal. The dependent variable was measured using logistic regression and χ2 tests aimed to analyze the relationship between the dependent and independent variable. 

• how the data for the dependent variable(s) were collected.

PTSD severity and symptoms were collected using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). The IES-R consisted of 22 items the participants had to assess and score using a 5-point scale. Their scores were then added together, any score higher than 24 was a concern for the researchers. 

• the intervention and procedures for delivering it.

Participants of the intervention group were all given a diary that consisted of a folder with loose paper attached with metal fasteners. The participants were all given the same guidelines to follow in their diary. Participants, visitors, and the interdisciplinary team members were encouraged to include their observations too.  

I NEED TO RESPONSE TO THIS POST.

I need these discussion questions in about 150 words each with references

1. How do you plan to use the skills you acquire throughout your DNP journey? Will you continue in your current role or do you have other plans?

2. What advise would you give someone starting this course to ensure their success and why?

3. Despite all the challenges, what was something positive that came out of this journey this semester?

4. What do you think is the level of buy in from your stakeholders currently?

Reflect upon the clinical problem that you have identified in your area of nursing practice (as identified in Module 1). Critically appraise the research and summarize the knowledge available on the clinical problem (minimum requirement of 6 scholarly journal articles reviewed and appraised for application to practice problem). Outline a strategic plan for implementation of a practice change in your clinical practice environment based upon your findings. Describe how you intend to operationalize the practice change in your practice environment. What theoretical model will you use and how will you overcome barriers to implementation? What sources of internal evidence will you use in providing data to demonstrate improvement in outcomes? Describe evaluation methods of implementation clearly. Are there any ethical considerations? Use at least 1200 words with 2-3 references.

The Institute of Medicine’s report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, addresses the need for nursing leadership; it discusses the potential for nursing to lead improvement and redesign the healthcare delivery system. Take a look at the video Transforming Care at the Bedside: Empowering Better Nursing Care to see what some nurses have done to improve healthcare in their facilities. Based on your nursing experience, what change would you like to implement to improve care? What are the first steps you would take to implement the change?

Video Link