Theory Analysis and Evaluation Flashcards

(28 cards)

1
Q

The process of systematically examining a theory

A

Theory Evaluation

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2
Q

Criteria vary but generally include examination of:

A

o Origins
o Meaning
o Logical adequacy
o Usefulness
o Generalizability
o Testability

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3
Q

❖Purposes of theory evaluation
o Identifies a theory’s usefulness in guiding:

A

▪ Practice
▪ Research
▪ Education
▪ Administration

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4
Q

Gives insight into relationships among concepts

A

Purpose of Theory Evaluation

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5
Q

Allows the reviewer to identify strengths and
weakness of the theory

A

Purpose of Theory Evaluation

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6
Q

What are the 3 phases of theory evaluation?

A

❖Theory description
❖Theory analysis
❖Theory evaluation

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7
Q

initial step; works of the theorist are
reviewed to understand the theory’s:
o Structural components (______, ________,
_____________)
o Functional components (_______ and
______, ______, _____, or ______)

A

Theory description

o Structural components (assumptions, concepts,
propositions)
o Functional components (how linkages are made and
used to describe, explain, predict, or prescribe)

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8
Q

second step of evaluation

A

Theory Analysis

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9
Q

Process of nonjudgmentally examining the content,
structure, and function of the theory

A

Theory Analysis

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10
Q

Goal is to understand the theory.

A

Theory Analysis

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11
Q

Helps determine if the theory has potential for use in
practice, research, education, or administration

A

Theory Analysis

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12
Q

final step of the process

A

Theory Evaluation

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13
Q

Assesses the theory’s potential contribution

A

Theory Evaluation

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14
Q

Determines how well a theory serves its purpose
(describe, explain, etc.)

A

Theory Evaluation

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15
Q

Decision or action regarding use of the theory

A

Theory Evaluation

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16
Q

focused on characteristics of significant
theories (e.g., scope, complexity, testability, usefulness)

17
Q

detailed description of criteria for theory
evaluation (e.g., meaning, empirical adequacy,
testability, contribution)

18
Q

first two-phase
approach (theory analysis and theory evaluation)

A

Duffey and Muhlenkamp (1974)

19
Q

differentiates internal
criticism (how theory components fit with each other)
and external criticism (how theory relates to the world)

A

Barnum (1979, 1998, 2005)

20
Q

two-phase approach
o Analysis (nonjudgmental, detailed examination)
o Evaluation (requires judgments about practical
application)

A

Fawcett (1980, 2000)

21
Q

Theory analysis is a multistep process (origins, meaning, logical adequacy,
usefulness, generalizability, testability).

A

Walker and Avant (1983, 2005)

22
Q

o Provides different criteria based on level of the
theory (grand, middle range, and practice theories)
o Examines basic considerations, internal
analysis/evaluation, and external analysis/evaluation

A

Whall (1989, 2005)

23
Q

examined several issues
(accuracy, consistency, fruitfulness,
simplicity/complexity, scope, acceptability, and
sociocultural utility)

A

Dudley-Brown (1997)

24
Q

Most common criteria for evaluation

A

oComplexity/simplicity
o Scope/generality
o Conceptual definitions
o Consistency
o Contribution
o Usefulness
o Testability

25
o What is the purpose (describe, explain, etc.)? o What is the scope/level (grand, middle range)? o What are the origins of the theory? o What are the major concepts? o What are the propositions? o What are the major assumptions? o Is the context for use described?
Theory Description
26
o Are concepts theoretically and operationally defined? o Are statements theoretically and operationally defined? o Are linkages explicit? o Is the theory logically organized? o Is there a model or diagram? Is it helpful? o Are components used consistently?
Theory Analysis
27
o Is the theory congruent with current standards? o Is the theory congruent with nursing interventions? o Has the theory been tested in research? Is it supported?
Theory Evaluation
28
o Is there evidence the theory has been used in research, education, or administration? o Is the theory socially relevant? o Is the theory relevant cross-culturally? o Does the theory contribute to nursing?
Theory Evaluation