Unit 4: Knowledge, Theory and Reasoning in Nursing Practice

Responses to Learning Activities

Learning Activity 3: What is a "theory"?

In understanding "theory" it is very helpful to know the definitions of the following terms. After you have defined them, can you give an example of each? Hint: Check the Johnson and Webber (2010) course textbook.

• phenomena = observable connections or relationships between objects, events, people, or ideas;
• examples are that "plants grow better in sunlight," or "hospitalized children eat better when their mothers are present."
• concept = words or phrases that identify and describe ideas about a particular phenomena.
• examples include "fresh air, cleanliness, nutrition, recovery from illness, pain, anxiety."
• proposition = statement to describe the directional relationship between two or more concepts or variables.
• example is that "fresh air, warmth, light, nutrition and cleanliness assist in the recovery from illness."
• assumption = concepts or variables and propositions which are accepted as true.
• example is that "windows and doors would be opened to let in fresh air and light on a hospital ward."
• hypothesis = formal statements describing a measurable relationship between two or more variables.
• example is that "patients who are fed according to the Canada Food Guide recommendations will heal more quickly than those patients are not."
• theory = organized information that is intended to explain phenomena.
• example is "Erickson's eight stages that human beings move through in development of their personalities."
• model = a diagram used to demonstrate relationships.
• example is Abraham Maslow's pyramid shaped diagram of basic human needs to show the relationship between motivation and the hierarchy of basic human needs.