,NSG 501 Theoretical Foundations of Nursing
Exam 3 Study Guide Wilkes University Nursing
Theory 150 Q&A + Rationales | 2026/2027
1. Which of the following best describes the systematic process of theory development in
nursing?
A. A random collection of ideas about nursing practice
B. A structured process of concept analysis, relationship identification, and proposition
development
C. An individual nurse's personal philosophy of care
D. A set of procedures that never change
Correct Answer: B. A structured process of concept analysis, relationship identification, and
proposition development
Rationale: Theory development in nursing is a systematic process that involves concept analysis
(clarifying the meaning of key concepts), identifying relationships between concepts, and
developing propositions that can be tested through research. This structured approach ensures
rigorous theoretical development and application to practice .
2. Which of the following is a component of theory development?
A. Concept analysis
B. Statistical testing
C. Clinical documentation
,D. Patient satisfaction surveys
Correct Answer: A. Concept analysis
Rationale: Concept analysis is a fundamental component of theory development. It involves
clarifying the meaning of key concepts and their attributes to establish a foundation for
theoretical propositions. The other options are not direct components of theory development .
3. Which of the following is the correct sequence of theory development?
A. Concept analysis → theory construction → theory testing → theory critique
B. Theory construction → concept analysis → theory testing → theory critique
C. Theory critique → concept analysis → theory construction → theory testing
D. Theory testing → theory construction → concept analysis → theory critique
Correct Answer: A. Concept analysis → theory construction → theory testing → theory critique
Rationale: Theory development typically follows this sequence: concept analysis (clarifying
concepts), theory construction (identifying relationships), theory testing (empirical validation),
and theory critique (evaluation of theory utility). This systematic process ensures rigorous
theoretical development .
4. A nursing theorist identifies key concepts and describes the relationships between them. This
phase of theory development is known as:
, A. Concept analysis
B. Theory construction
C. Theory testing
D. Theory critique
Correct Answer: B. Theory construction
Rationale: Theory construction involves identifying key concepts and describing the
relationships between them through propositions and assumptions. This is a central phase of
theory development that builds on concept analysis .
5. A nurse evaluates a theory for its usefulness in clinical practice. This represents which phase
of theory development?
A. Concept analysis
B. Theory construction
C. Theory testing
D. Theory critique
Correct Answer: D. Theory critique
Rationale: Theory critique involves evaluating a theory for its usefulness, clarity, and
applicability to practice. The nurse's evaluation of a theory's usefulness in clinical practice
represents theory critique .
Exam 3 Study Guide Wilkes University Nursing
Theory 150 Q&A + Rationales | 2026/2027
1. Which of the following best describes the systematic process of theory development in
nursing?
A. A random collection of ideas about nursing practice
B. A structured process of concept analysis, relationship identification, and proposition
development
C. An individual nurse's personal philosophy of care
D. A set of procedures that never change
Correct Answer: B. A structured process of concept analysis, relationship identification, and
proposition development
Rationale: Theory development in nursing is a systematic process that involves concept analysis
(clarifying the meaning of key concepts), identifying relationships between concepts, and
developing propositions that can be tested through research. This structured approach ensures
rigorous theoretical development and application to practice .
2. Which of the following is a component of theory development?
A. Concept analysis
B. Statistical testing
C. Clinical documentation
,D. Patient satisfaction surveys
Correct Answer: A. Concept analysis
Rationale: Concept analysis is a fundamental component of theory development. It involves
clarifying the meaning of key concepts and their attributes to establish a foundation for
theoretical propositions. The other options are not direct components of theory development .
3. Which of the following is the correct sequence of theory development?
A. Concept analysis → theory construction → theory testing → theory critique
B. Theory construction → concept analysis → theory testing → theory critique
C. Theory critique → concept analysis → theory construction → theory testing
D. Theory testing → theory construction → concept analysis → theory critique
Correct Answer: A. Concept analysis → theory construction → theory testing → theory critique
Rationale: Theory development typically follows this sequence: concept analysis (clarifying
concepts), theory construction (identifying relationships), theory testing (empirical validation),
and theory critique (evaluation of theory utility). This systematic process ensures rigorous
theoretical development .
4. A nursing theorist identifies key concepts and describes the relationships between them. This
phase of theory development is known as:
, A. Concept analysis
B. Theory construction
C. Theory testing
D. Theory critique
Correct Answer: B. Theory construction
Rationale: Theory construction involves identifying key concepts and describing the
relationships between them through propositions and assumptions. This is a central phase of
theory development that builds on concept analysis .
5. A nurse evaluates a theory for its usefulness in clinical practice. This represents which phase
of theory development?
A. Concept analysis
B. Theory construction
C. Theory testing
D. Theory critique
Correct Answer: D. Theory critique
Rationale: Theory critique involves evaluating a theory for its usefulness, clarity, and
applicability to practice. The nurse's evaluation of a theory's usefulness in clinical practice
represents theory critique .
