Understanding Nursing Research -
Chapter 7
Abstract - ANS-Clear, concise summary of a study, usually limited to 100 to 250
\Assumptions - ANS-statement taken for granted or considered true, even though it has not
been scientifically tested
\Concepts - ANS-Term that abstractly describes and names an object or phenomenon thus
providing it with a separate identity or meaning
\Conceptual definition - ANS-Definition that provides a variable or concept with connotative
(abstract, comprehensive, theoretical) meaning; established through concept analysis, concept
derivation, or concept synthesis
\Conceptual models - ANS-set of highly abstract, related constructs that broadly explains
phenomena of interest, expresses assumptions, and reflects a philosophical stance
\Constructs - ANS-concept at very high levels of abstraction that has general meaning
\Framework - ANS-abstract, logical structure of meaning, such as a portion of a theory, that
guides the development of the study, is tested in the study, and enables the researcher to link
the findings to nursing's body of knowledge
\Grand nursing theories - ANS-abstract, broad scope theory
\Implicit framework - ANS-rudimentary ideas for the framework of a theory or portions of a
theory expressed in an introduction or in a literature review in which linkages among variables
found in previous studies are discussed
\Maps or models - ANS-diagrams that graphically express the concepts and relationships of
theories or frameworks
\Middle range theories - ANS-theories that are relatively concrete and specific in focus; include
a limited number of concepts and propositions. These theories are tested by empirical research
\Phenomenon - ANS-An occurrence or a circumstance that is observed, something that
impresses the observer as extraordinary, or something that appears to and is constructed by the
mind
\Philosophies - ANS-Rational, intellectual explorations of truths; principles of being, knowledge,
or conduct
\Practice theories - ANS-Very specific theories developed to explain a particular element of
practice. These theories can be generated through research and tested by research
\Propositions - ANS-abstract statements that further clarify the relationship between two
concepts in theories
\Relational statement - ANS-Declaration that a relationship of some type exists between (or
among) two or more concepts
\Scientific theory - ANS-Theory that has been repeatedly tested through research with valid and
reliable methods of measuring each concept and relational statement
\Specific proposition - ANS-Relational statement made in a narrow way, which makes the
statement more concrete and testable
Chapter 7
Abstract - ANS-Clear, concise summary of a study, usually limited to 100 to 250
\Assumptions - ANS-statement taken for granted or considered true, even though it has not
been scientifically tested
\Concepts - ANS-Term that abstractly describes and names an object or phenomenon thus
providing it with a separate identity or meaning
\Conceptual definition - ANS-Definition that provides a variable or concept with connotative
(abstract, comprehensive, theoretical) meaning; established through concept analysis, concept
derivation, or concept synthesis
\Conceptual models - ANS-set of highly abstract, related constructs that broadly explains
phenomena of interest, expresses assumptions, and reflects a philosophical stance
\Constructs - ANS-concept at very high levels of abstraction that has general meaning
\Framework - ANS-abstract, logical structure of meaning, such as a portion of a theory, that
guides the development of the study, is tested in the study, and enables the researcher to link
the findings to nursing's body of knowledge
\Grand nursing theories - ANS-abstract, broad scope theory
\Implicit framework - ANS-rudimentary ideas for the framework of a theory or portions of a
theory expressed in an introduction or in a literature review in which linkages among variables
found in previous studies are discussed
\Maps or models - ANS-diagrams that graphically express the concepts and relationships of
theories or frameworks
\Middle range theories - ANS-theories that are relatively concrete and specific in focus; include
a limited number of concepts and propositions. These theories are tested by empirical research
\Phenomenon - ANS-An occurrence or a circumstance that is observed, something that
impresses the observer as extraordinary, or something that appears to and is constructed by the
mind
\Philosophies - ANS-Rational, intellectual explorations of truths; principles of being, knowledge,
or conduct
\Practice theories - ANS-Very specific theories developed to explain a particular element of
practice. These theories can be generated through research and tested by research
\Propositions - ANS-abstract statements that further clarify the relationship between two
concepts in theories
\Relational statement - ANS-Declaration that a relationship of some type exists between (or
among) two or more concepts
\Scientific theory - ANS-Theory that has been repeatedly tested through research with valid and
reliable methods of measuring each concept and relational statement
\Specific proposition - ANS-Relational statement made in a narrow way, which makes the
statement more concrete and testable
