Theory Development and Evaluation
A theory is a framework which identifies concepts, establishes relationships, and makes prediction about a particular event. The success of the sporting activity is based on the game plan’s ability to predict the outcomes accurately. Similarly, marketing plans are theories developed to predict particular actions within the business environment that may lead to greater maximization of profits. Theories in nursing are developed similarly and aim to predict healthcare interventions in evidence-based practice settings. The purpose of this paper was to examine the science and art of theory development and evaluation.
Theory Development
Theories are developed to describe different phenomena, solving existing problems, or improve practice in social and health sciences. In the nursing sector, such theories aim to enhance the understanding of the nursing practice, identify and express scientific ideas, and organize existing knowledge (Mgbekem, Ojong, Lukpata, Armon, & Kalu, 2016). The process of theory development revolves around the creation, modification, or refinement of predictive frameworks. Developing a theory follows the steps of analyzing a concept, refining it, establishing relationships among such concepts, and testing the proposition (Lor, Backonja & Lauver, 2017). Theories can be either explanatory, prescriptive, descriptive, or predictive.
A properly developed theory’s significant components include assumptions, structural linkages, a purpose, conceptual definitions, theoretical statements, and models. There is an existing relationship between nursing theory and research as well as practice (Nilsen, 2015). For instance, a newly developed theory is validated or modified using research, although in some cases, research questions are identified through existing theories. Furthermore, practice is guided by theory in specific health sectors, while in others, practice shapes theory.
Theory Evaluation
Evaluating a theory entails a systematic approach to examining whether a theory performs its intended role. For instance, theory developers may evaluate a theory to determine its origins, meaning, or the logical adequacy therein. Theory evaluation may further analyze its usefulness, generalizability, and testability in scientific settings (Mgbekem et al., 2016). In nursing, theories are evaluated to determine their ability to guide research, practice, nursing education, and healthcare administration. Evaluating theories also help establish existing relationships among concepts (Lor, Backonja & Lauver, 2017). Resultantly, reviewers can demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of newly developed theories and determine their applicability in evidence-based practice.
Evaluation of theories is conducted in three phases, namely theory description, analysis, and theory evaluation. In the descriptive phase, reviewers and theory analysts aim to establish the components of the theory, including its assumptions, concepts, and propositions (Ramalho Neto et al., 2016). In the analysis stage, a non-judgmental examination of the theory’s contents, structural components, and functionality is conducted to gain an in-depth understanding. This evaluation phase helps determine whether the theory is applicable in research, administration, nursing education, or practice.
The final phase assesses the theory to establish its contribution to science, and whether it adequately serves the intended purpose. Eventually, a decision is made to adopt or reject the hypothesis in its preliminary stages of development (Lor, Backonja & Lauver, 2017). The typical criteria of theory evaluation consist of aspects of its complexity, scope, conceptual framework, and consistencies. Furthermore, examining the theory’s contribution to science, its usefulness, and testability.
Theory development is an essential component of nursing practice considering that it leads to the identification of potential interventions in evidence-based practice. Once the theory is developed, it can be validated and applied in nursing education, practice, research, or practice for improvements in the quality of healthcare. Practical evaluation of theories ensures that only logically adequate and promising theories make it to inform nursing practice and research. Properly developed theories should be consistent with existing research and should contribute to scientific knowledge.
References
Lor, M., Backonja, U., & Lauver, D. R. (2017). How could nurse researchers apply theory to generate knowledge more efficiently? Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 49(5), 580-589.
Mgbekem, M. A., Ojong, I. N., Lukpata, F. E., Armon, M., & Kalu, V. (2016). Middle range theory evaluation: bridging the theory-practice gap. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 22(2), 249-254.
Nilsen, P. (2015). Making sense of implementation theories, models and frameworks. Implementation Science, 10(1), 53.
Ramalho Neto, J. M., Marques, D. K. A., Fernandes, M. D. G. M., & Nóbrega, M. M. L. D. (2016). Meleis’ Nursing Theories Evaluation: integrative review. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 69(1), 174-181.