Assignment task:
Directions:
Reflecting on Chapter 10, the models listed on the table in Meleis (Table 10-1, p. 177), and the *module on Nurse Scholars in Theory Evaluation (I'll provide below), succinctly evaluate the theory you have selected to present...My Theory Is Health
As expanding consciousness (HEC) by Margaret A. Newman
Include four paragraphs with the following headings: Theory Description, Analysis, Evaluation, and Development.
1. In the description, include and discuss origins, influences, historical context, scope, purpose, main concepts, and structure of the theory.
2. In the analysis, include and discuss assumptions, clarity, accessibility, generalizability, context, and importance.
3. In the evaluation, compare the views of nurse scholars in theory evaluation. Discuss how the practice and evaluate how it contributes to favorable patient and/or family outcomes.
4. In the development area, discuss if the theory is testable, its application to research, support for the theory among scholars, and if you feel your theory requires further development, additional research, and/or refinement. Need Professional Help?
5. Using the current APA format, include a minimum of two citations to support your work.
*Here is the module on Nurse Scholars in Theory Evaluation (for your reference)
Theory Evaluation:
- The ultimate goal is potential contribution of a theory to scientific knowledge
- In nursing practice, theory evaluation may provide a clinician with additional knowledge about the soundness of the theory
- In research, the process helps clarify the form and structure of a theory being tested
Theory Evaluation Process:
- Theory description
- Theory analysis
- Theory evaluation or theory critique
Theory Description:
- The initial step in the evaluation process
- Works of the theorist are reviewed with a focus on the historical context of the theory
- Related works are examined to gain further understanding
Theory Analysis:
- Second phase of the evaluation process
- Refers to a systematic process by objectively examining content, structure, and function of a theory
- Is non-judgmental with the primary aim to understand the theory
Theory Evaluation/Critique:
- Also called theory critique
- Final step in the process
- Evaluation follows analysis and assesses the theory's potential contribution to the discipline's knowledge base
- How is the theory used to direct nursing practice and does it contribute to favorable outcomes
- The whole theory must be studied, as parts of the theory without the whole will not be fully meaningful and may lead to misunderstanding
- Need to consider level and scope of theory
Theory Development and Evaluation:
- Theory development and evaluation are cyclical, continuous, and dynamic processes
- Theory evaluation includes theory critique, theory testing, and theory support
Theory Testing:
- A systematic process of subjective theoretical propositions to the rigor of research in all its forms and approaches; it is a dynamic process
Theory Support
- Examines the extent to which theory has garnered support, has attracted a dedicated and loyal audience, and for which there is an identifiable community of scholars who are using the theory