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Strategies for Theory Construction in Nursing, 6th edition

Published by Pearson (March 29, 2018) © 2019

  • Lorraine Olszewski Walker The University of Texas at Austin
  • Kay Coalson Avant The University of Texas at Austin

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For courses in nursing theory.

A clear introduction to theory development, for nursing students

Strategies for Theory Construction in Nursing is a straightforward, logically organized resource on theory development, from a nursing perspective. It places theory development in the context of contemporary and emerging issues, as well as a rich history. Population- and domain-specific theories address the needs of diverse clients in today's complex health care climate.

The 6th Edition reflects vast changes in nursing practice. It covers advances in theory development and in strategies for concept, statement and theory development. This edition also builds connections between nursing theory and modern evidence-based practice.

Hallmark features of this title

Core strategies of theoretical development

  • Nine chapters cover three core strategies (derivation, synthesis and analysis) for concept, statement and theory development in nursing. They are enriched with steps, procedures and examples.
  • A unique chapter integrates validation and testing of concepts, statements and theories.
  • Concise introductions to each section present key ideas and their role in theory development.

Applications to nursing practice, then and now

  • A chapter on the theory-practice relationship covers key topics in modern nursing, such as practice-based knowledge and informatics.
  • An overview chapter on historical trends in U.S. nursing theory addresses levels of theory, global perspectives on theory development, and population- and domain-specific theories.

New and updated features of this title

Updates to theoretical works and frameworks

  • UPDATED: Examples of new theoretical works related to derivation, synthesis and analysis strategies demonstrate new theoretical developments for each strategy.
  • NEW: A new framework for understanding theory derivation, theory adaptation and theory substruction helps students differentiate between these commonly confused processes.

Integrating theory into practice

  • NEW: The role of concepts in advancing nursing as a practice discipline is discussed, along with common misconceptions.
  • NEW: A new section on the scope and central concerns of nursing knowledge addresses a question often unanswered in nursing literature.

Learning aids prompting critical thinking

  • NEW: Questions to Consider at the start of each chapter set the stage for critical thinking as students navigate content and concepts.
  • UPDATED: Exercises within and at the end of chapters offer practice applying content and processes.

Brief Table of Contents

PART 1: OVERVIEW OF THEORY AND THEORY DEVELOPMENT
1. Theory in Nursing: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going?
2. Using Knowledge Development and Theory to Inform Practice
3. Approaches to Theory Development

PART 2: DERIVATION STRATEGIES
4. Concept Derivation
5. Statement Derivation
6. Theory Derivation

PART 3: SYNTHESIS STRATEGIES
7. Concept Synthesis
8. Statement Synthesis
9. Theory Synthesis

PART 4: ANALYSIS STRATEGIES
10. Concept Analysis
11. Statement Analysis
12. Theory Analysis

PART 5: PERSPECTIVES ON THEORY AND ITS CREDIBILITY
13. Assessing the Credibility and Scope of Nursing Knowledge Development: Concepts, Statements, and Theories


Detailed Table of Contents

PART 1: OVERVIEW OF THEORY AND THEORY DEVELOPMENT

1. Theory in Nursing: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going?
Theory Development in Nursing: A Beginner's Guide
A Historical Glimpse at Theory in Nursing as a Profession
Evolution of Theory Development: Metatheory to Practice Theory
Population- and Domain-Focused Theories and Models
Global Nursing Theory Development Issues and Efforts
Summary
References
Additional Readings

2. Using Knowledge Development and Theory to Inform Practice
Introduction
Evidence-Based Practice and Practice-Based Evidence
Nursing Informatics
Nursing Practice Research and Theory Development
Summary
Practice Exercise
References
Additional Readings

3. Approaches to Theory Development
Introduction
Elements of Theory Building
Interrelatedness of Elements
Approaches to Theory Building
Strategy Selection
Interrelatedness of Strategies
Summary
References
Additional Readings

PART 2: DERIVATION STRATEGIES

4. Concept Derivation
Definition and Description
Purpose and Uses
Procedures for Concept Derivation
Application of Concept Derivation to Nursing
Advantages and Limitations
Utilizing the Results of Concept Derivation
Summary
Practice Exercise
References

5. Statement Derivation
Definition and Description
Purpose and Uses
Procedures for Statement Derivation
Application of Statement Derivation to Nursing
Advantages and Limitations
Utilizing the Results of Statement Derivation
Summary
Practice Exercises
References
Additional Readings

6. Theory Derivation
Definition and Description
Purpose and Uses
Procedures for Theory Derivation
Examples of Theory Derivation
Application of Theory Derivation to Nursing
Advantages and Limitations
Utilizing the Results of Theory Derivation
Summary
Practice Exercises
References
Additional Readings

PART 3: SYNTHESIS STRATEGIES

7. Concept Synthesis
Definition and Description
Purpose and Uses
Approaches to Concept Synthesis
Procedures for Concept Synthesis
Advantages and Limitations
Utilizing the Results of Concept Synthesis
Summary
Practice Exercises
References
Additional Readings

8. Statement Synthesis
Definition and Description
Purpose and Uses
Procedures for Statement Synthesis
Advantages and Limitations
Utilizing the Results of Statement Synthesis
Summary
Practice Exercise
Self-Assessment Test of Introductory Statistics
References
Additional Readings

9. Theory Synthesis
Definition and Description
Example of the Use of Theory Synthesis Process
Purpose and Uses
Procedures for Theory Synthesis
Illustrations of Theory Synthesis
Advantages and Limitations
Utilizing the Results of Theory Synthesis
Theory Synthesis and Integrative Models and Theories
Summary
Practice Exercises
References
Additional Readings

PART 4: ANALYSIS STRATEGIES

10. Concept Analysis
Definition and Description
Purpose and Uses
Procedures for Concept Analysis
Advantages and Limitations
Utilizing the Results of Concept Analysis
Response to Criticism of this Method
Summary
Additional Example and Practice Exercise
Practice Exercise
References
Additional Readings

11. Statement Analysis
Definition and Description
Purpose and Uses
Steps in Statement Analysis
Advantages and Limitations
Utilizing the Results of Statement Analysis
Summary
Practice Exercises
References
Additional Readings

12. Theory Analysis
Definition and Description
Purpose and Uses
Procedures for Theory Analysis
Advantages and Limitations
Utilizing the Results of Theory Analysis
Summary
Practice Exercise 1
Practice Exercise 2
References
Additional Readings

PART 5: PERSPECTIVES ON THEORY AND ITS CREDIBILITY

13. Assessing the Credibility and Scope of Nursing Knowledge Development: Concepts, Statements, and Theories
A Glance at Concept, Statement, and Theory Testing
Concept Testing
Statement Testing
Theory Testing
The Scope of, and Central Concerns, in Nursing Knowledge
Closing Commentary
References
Additional Readings

About our authors

Lorraine O. Walker, RN, EdD, MPH, FAAN, has had a lifelong interest in nursing knowledge development and maternal and infant health. She received a BSN from the University of Dayton, as well as a master's degree in nursing education with a specialization in maternity nursing, and a doctoral degree in philosophy of education from Indiana University-Bloomington. She also received an MPH degree in maternal-child health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed post-doctoral studies in educational psychology at The University of Texas at Austin. She currently holds the Luci B. Johnson Centennial Professorship in Nursing. Her teaching includes global health; quantitative design and analytic methods; and theoretical and philosophical aspects of nursing. Her research focuses on health promotion of childbearing-aged women and infants. Dr. Walker was honored in 2017 by induction into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.

Kay C. Avant, PhD, RN, FNI, FAAN, retired as Professor Emeritus in 2016. She has also had a lifelong interest in nursing knowledge development and maternal-infant health. She received her diploma in nursing from Methodist Hospital, Dallas; her BSN from Texas Christian University; her MSN from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; and her PhD from Texas Woman's University. She completed post-doctoral work in community and school health nursing at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia. Her teaching included philosophy of science, theoretical development of nursing and informatics. Her research interests are primarily in standardized language development, and global health of women and children.

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