Definition of Theory

Definition of Theory

A creative and rigorous structuring of

ideas that project a tentative purposeful
and systematic view of phenomenon

― Chinn & Kramer, 2004

 Definition of Theory

A systematic explanation of an event in

which constructs and concepts are identified
and relationships are proposed and
predictions made

― Steubert – Speziale & Carpenter, 2003

 Definition of Theory

A set of interpretative assumptions,

principles or propositions that help
explain or guide action.

― Young, Taylor & Renpenning, 2001

 Definition of Theory

A set of statements that tentatively

describe, explain or predict relationships
among concepts that have been
systematically selected and organized as an
abstract representation of a phenomenon.

― Power & Knapp, 1995

 Components of a Theory

1. Purpose
2. Concepts
3. Theoretical Statements
4. Structure & Linkages
5. Assumptions
6. Phenomenon
7. Models
 PURPOSE

 explains why the

theory was formulated

 specifies the context

and situations in which
it should be applied
 CONCEPTS

 terms that refer to phenomena that occur in

nature or in thought

 explicate the subject matter of the theories

of discipline

 either ABSTRACT or CONCRETE

 either VARIABLE or NON – VARIABLE

CONCEPTS
CONCEPTS
 CONCEPTS

VARIABLE [continuous]
blood pressure, pain, intake and output, smoking

NON – VARIABLE [discrete]

age, gender, marital status, ethnic background
 THEORETICAL STATEMENTS

 statements about the relationship between two or

more concepts and are used to connect concepts
to devise the theory

Existence statements – definitions relate to specific

concepts and make existence claim about that concept

Relational statements – asserts that a relationship

exist between the properties of two or more concepts
 STRUCTURES

 provides the overall form of the theory

 includes determination of the order of

appearance of relationships, identification of
central relationships and delineation of direction,
strength and quality of relationships
 LINKAGES

 offer a reasoned explanation of why the

variables in the theory may be connected in
some manner, brings plausibility to the theory
 ASSUMPTIONS

 notations that are taken to be true without proof

 beliefs about a phenomenon, that can be argues

philosophically, that one must accept as true to
accept a theory
PHENOMENON

 the designation of
an aspect of reality
 M O D E LS

 schematic representations of some aspects of

reality (e.g. objects, diagrams, formulas or words)
Analysis of a Theory

In accordance to;
1. Clarity
2. Simplicity
3. Generality
4. Accessibility
5. Importance
 PRAXIS
the application of a theory in nursing experiences or in practice
Many nurses lack a true understanding of the interrelationship
among theory, research and practice and its importance to the
continuing development of nursing as a profession.
 Thank You!
N C M 1 0 0 A . Y. 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1

REFERENCES
● Alligood, Martha Raile, Nursing Theorists and their work,
Elsevier (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., 2018.

● McEwen, Melanie & Evelyn M. Wills, Theoretical Basis for

Nursing, Wolters Kluwer, 2018.