Content area
Full Text
INTRODUCTION:
Nurses have often participated in research which has contributed much to the basic sciences that are fundamental to the practice of all health professionals. In the past nurses have functioned primarily as collectors of data, in the future nurses who are academically prepared will increasingly initiate and conduct research within the theoretical framework. We can expect that many will focus on the development of the body of nursing theory. (Myrtte Irene Brown 1964)
The Need for nursing theory in research:
A clear mandate has been made for nurse researchers to build a body of scientifically tested nursing theory from which the nurse may draw the facts, concepts and principles acting as the base for nursing education, nursing care and nursing services for patients, families and communities.
In research circle the term theory is used in various ways. Scientists have used theory to refer an abstract generalization that offers a systematic explanation about how phenomena are interrelated. Descriptive theory plays an important role in quantitative studies. Qualitative researches often strive to develop a conceptualization of the phenomena under study that is grounded in actual observations. (Polit and Beck 2008)
The close connection between theory and research was implied in the discussion of the functions stated explicitly the initial impetus for research is the search for theory. Theory development relies on research and research relies on theory. Brown (1977) characterized the relationship between theory and research as dialectic, a transaction whereby theory determines what data are to be collected and research findings provide challenges to accepted theories. (Fawcett, J. and Downs, F.1986)
The choice of a research design depends on the question asked and the current state of theory development. One of the differences between research based knowledge and other types of information is that knowledge adds to a body of what is known that is structured as theory.
Nursing research has been conducted in the setting of vulnerable populations. Several theoretical models for studying vulnerability have been created and interventional studies designed to reduce health disparities have been implemented. (Nyamathi A, Koniak-Griffin D, Greengold BA, 2007)
Purpose of Theory in Research:
* To identify meaningful and relevant areas for study.
* To propose plausible approaches to health problems.
* To develop or refine theories.
*...