TFN

• Theory


  A set of statements that tentatively describe, explain, or predict relationships among concepts
• Theory


  A system of ideas presumed to explain a given phenomenon
• Nursing theory


  An organized body of knowledge to define what nursing is, what nurses do, and why they do it
• Elements of theory

  • Concepts
  • Definitions
  • Assumptions
  • Phenomena
• Concepts

  The building blocks of theories, may be abstract or concrete
• Definition

  Conveys the general meaning of a concept
• Types of definition

  • Theoretical definition (defined in the dictionary)
  • Operational definition (how concepts are used within the context)
• Assumptions

  Describe concepts or connect two concepts
• Phenomenon


  The term or description given to describe an idea or responses about an event
• Conceptual framework

  Interrelated concepts that conveys a mental image of a phenomenon
• Theoretical model


  Interactions among and between concepts showing pattern
• Roles of nursing theory

  • Contributes to knowledge development
  • Direct nursing education, research, and practice
  • Guides curriculum around framework and theories
  • Helps elucidate how social structures affect human experiences
  • Describes relationships amongst variables as applied to specific clinical situations