Suggestions for finding a theoretical framework for a research study

[BluegrassRN]

I'm taking a research class, and as a final project we need to develop a research study. I have pretty much everything I need: question, sample, environment, review of lit, all of that. What I don't have is a theory to use as the "framework" for my study. I'm not sure how to go about finding it.

How do your programs present this? Are you provided with a list of theories, as a suggestion? Are there lists out there, that can at least be used as a jumping off point?

Part of my frustration is that I feel like I'm ready to write this project....and rather than look for a theoretical framework that helps my project, I'm now looking for a theoretical framework that *fits* my project. It's an exercise, not true assistance. Oh, and while I actually like a lot of aspects of research, I really despise theory. Probably doesn't help matters.

How and where have you looked to find mid-range or practice theories for your research? How did you decide upon one that fits your study?

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

Theories are pretty fresh in my mind, so if you provide your hypothesis or question, I might be able to point you in the right direction for a theoretical framework. Or, maybe not. No promises, but I'll try. :)

I'm still a student, so I have notes, powerpoints, and textbooks that explain the theories. Whenever we did this, we looked at the question the researchers were trying to answer, and it gave clues as to the theoretical framework used. For example, one study I read indicated that sending a card to discharged psych patients was a significant factor in reducing suicide attempts over the long-term. You could say that Peplau's interpersonal theory for psych patients was the framework. Putting large wall calendars in dementia patient's rooms for reality orientation could be a cognitive theory framework. Providing rewards to pediatric patients for IV placements could be behavioral theory. Doing ROM exercises to increase the ability to perform ADLs could be Orem's self-care theory.

Sorry for the long list, but these theories have been drilled into my head!

ETA: I just did a google search using the key phrase "nursing theory." This link, which is a group of links all in one place, came up. It looks like it would be extremely helpful.

http://nursing.clayton.edu/eichelberger/nursing.htm

[BluegrassRN]

This helps. I think I'm trying to hard to find a very specific theory, when in fact I need to be thinking of using it in more general terms.

FWIW, my hypothesis is something along the lines that "Patients presented upon admission with general education regarding their diagnosis and discharge plan will experience greater compliance with post-hospitalization diet, medication, and follow up recommendations than patients who are presented the general education and discharge plan immediately prior to discharge."

[llg, PhD, RN]

Good for you ... in realizing that your school has taught it backwards. As you have figured out for yourself, you should be identifying relevant theories early in your project design process and not waiting until after your project is formed to try to find a theory to "paste on top of" your project.

Ideally, you use the theory to help you define the terms used in your project, identify key variables, provide a structure of relationships between variables, etc. Shame on your school for not teaching that properly!

If you are interested in studying patient compliance with health teaching recommendations etc. ... the big theory out there is Nola Pender's. You really should look at it. But I warn you, reading her well-developed and well-tested theory might stimulate a bunch of thinking in you that could change your project a little. But isn't that what a good theory should do? :)

[BluegrassRN]

Good for you ... in realizing that your school has taught it backwards. As you have figured out for yourself, you should be identifying relevant theories early in your project design process and not waiting until after your project is formed to try to find a theory to "paste on top of" your project.

This is exactly what I'm learning. Our project was introduced to us in the beginning of the semester. We have an assignment every couple of weeks to get us to the end point; assignments correspond with powerpoints and assigned reading. Fine thus far, each assignment has made sense. All of a sudden this week, we're reading about theory and we're supposed to chose our framework theory. I'm left scratching my head, because the entire project is due soon, and the theory is pretty much the last assignment within the project prior to it's due date.

Thanks for the guidance. I appreciate it, and I most definitely will do some further exploration on Pender, as well as some of the others that popped up from dudette's link.

[jjjoy, LPN]

One doesn't *need* a theory to conduct scientific research, though hypotheses may build upon existing theory and outcomes may support or contradict existing theory and/or suggest a new theory.

There are many theories in the physical and life sciences, but we needn't always point them out when developing or testing hypotheses. We observe that gastric reflux seems to be reduced by an upright position and want to test it empirically... do we need to point out that that the research question rests upon the theory of gravity?

To further confuse matters, the theories focused on in many nursing programs are 'nursing theory' which I think are considered more as 'conceptual frameworks' than as empirical theory subject subject to testing by the scientific method. But it seems that they are too often taught in one crammed "nursing theory and research" course without any clear distinction.

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

To further confuse matters, the theories focused on in many nursing programs are 'nursing theory' which I think are considered more as 'conceptual frameworks' than as empirical theory subject subject to testing by the scientific method. But it seems that they are too often taught in one crammed "nursing theory and research" course without any clear distinction.

FWIW, we were taught the levels of theories, conceptual frameworks being the most abstract and empirical theory being the most concrete. It's all theory with varying levels of abstraction.

In my class, I've heard people say, "This class doesn't mean anything to being a nurse." I think that's more of the problem than how the class is taught; students don't care.

BTW, I have a knowledgeable teacher who tries her best to get us excited about research, provides practical applications for the knowledge gained in her class, and is overall very encouraging for us to use EBP when we become nurses. I could hear the snores from some of my classmates during that lecture. It's sorta sad.

Having a liberal arts background, I can see the application in all the courses that many consider "fluff." I do realize, however, that some workplaces are so understaffed and chaotic that applying the learning is extremely difficult, even if the nurse understands the importance of what he/she has learned.

[llg, PhD, RN]

You've got a great perspective and attitude on the "theory stuff" Dudette10. We need more people like you in nursing.

I am happy to meet you.

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

You've got a great perspective and attitude on the "theory stuff" Dudette10. We need more people like you in nursing.

I am happy to meet you.

Well, we can create a mutual admiration society, then. This gives me the opportunity to say what I've been wanting to say to you for a little while now without sounding like a teacher's pet .

I admire how you "teach" and help students on this board, with patience, directness, and knowledge. I want to be a nurse educator some day after a long and prosperous bedside career , and all the educators who participate in this forum are definitely role models. So, thank you.

[AmandaDavis]

this is because your framework is supposed to guide you study you are supposed to start here you are doing it backwards which i do believe is easier! but technically incorrect

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

ask a librarian about books on nursing theory. I found two books when doing my thesis and decided on one theory because it made me focus on my topic. It provided a sort of outline. Although it was called a theory (Nurse-Patient Relationship Theory by Ida Jean Orlando) I feel it was more conceptual. The concepts that I was interested in researching matched her concepts. I then had a step by step process to prove the null hypothesis. I believe this to be the intent of your course - applying someone's conceptual framework or theory to your research topic. Good luck in your project!

[elliott001]

I am in the same spot as dudette was and this conversation helped me a lot!!!!!!! Thank you