Discuss the development of Middle Range Theory using the practice story approach.

Isolated, Theory-linked, and Grounded Research Linkages to Theory
The objectives of this module are to:

Discuss the development of Middle Range Theory using the practice story approach.
Describe how isolated, theory-linked, and grounded research contribute to development and validation of theory.

This module will focus on the role of practice story and research in building, testing or validatingmiddle range theory. We begin with a discussion of the development of middle range theory, which is thoroughly discussed in the Smith &Liehr reading. The lecture reviews the how isolated, theory-linked, and grounded research are used to develop and validate theories in general. In particular, we discuss the roles of isolated research, phenomenological/grounded/qualitative research and quantitative research in theory development and validation. .

The focus of this module is on middle range theory, and the assignment focuses on middle range theory.However, you should be conversant in howisolated research, and theory-linked research is linked to nursing theory. There are advantages and limitations to both types of research. We discuss the different types of research including grounded research and phenomenology. Isolated research investigates a phenomenon apart from any conceptual model or nursing theory, although one may be discerned or implied. Theory-linked research is a research design that is driven by nursing theory, and uses accepted methods described elsewhere.

Many nurses conduct “isolated” research, which means that the purpose of their inquiry is not to contribute to the nursing body of knowledge, but rather to address an isolated clinical problem. Isolated research is the source of much evidence based practice. A conceptual model such as Betty Neuman’s Systems Model is helpful to communicate with interdisciplinary teams, but it is not particularly useful in advancing theory-based research.

Theory-linked research, in contrast, isintimately linked to the body of nursing knowledge through a theory. Another dimension of theory-linked research is its use to generate new theory (theory-generating research) or to validate existing theory (theory-validating research). The former explores and describes new concepts and conceptual relationships. The latter evaluates the accuracy of empirical indicators. Thus, even phenomenology can serve to generate a new theory. Theory-linked research can be used to determine the precision of empirical indicators in describing, explaining or predicting phenomena. Additionally, the results can help to refine the theoretical concepts.

Validation is the process of re-confirming the correctness of empirical indicators. Chinn & Kramer (2015) describe “confirmation and validation to characterize authentication processes in empiric theory development” (p.211). Validation and confirmation are means of putting nursing theories to the test to see if they explain what they claim to explain.

Required Readings

Chinn, P.L. & Kramer, M.K. (2015). Integrated theory and knowledge development in nursing (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier. Chapter 9.

Fawcett, J. Evaluating Research for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice. (no date). Power Point Presentation (no narration). College of Nursing & Health Sciences. University of Massachusetts, Boston.

Smith MJ & Liehr PR. Middle Range Theory for Nursing, 2nd ed. (2009). Chapter 3.

Review Figure 9-1 on pg. 207 of Chinn and Kramer: The empiric pattern of knowing: validation and confirmation of formal expression of empiric knowledge to develop scientific competence.

Review Table 9-1 on pg. 220 of Chinn and Kramer: Comparison of Clinical Problem, Research Purpose, Research Problem, and Hypothesis Statements in Theory-Linked Research.

Assignment Instructions:
Write a450 to 600-word, double-spaced scholarly paper in APA format.
Title Page: Your name; Title of Paper; Course Title and number; Semester; My name
Narrative: This section should not exceed 450-500 words; cite all sources that appear in your reference page, including the textbooks readings. Include other references as needed.
Use divisions (titles) and subdivisions (subtitles) to organize the content in a logical and sequential manner.
Reference page
NO abstract necessary
Refer to the Rubric for guidance on how your grade will be determined.
Remember to take the time to write your first draft. Submit your document to the UTEP Library Writing Center and edit your document. Finally, submit your paper to Safe Assign using the link on the left-side course menu.
Post your paper on Saturday by midnight, so that you and your peers can post your replies by the Sunday midnight deadline.
Assignment Instructions:
Identify a practice story (a clinical story) from your own experience.
State the phenomenon of interest (one concept, or a maximum of two concepts).
Discuss the phenomenon of interest from a theoretical perspective. This means to name the concept(s) using the language from a middle range theory. Find the theory in Alligood Unit 5, or google middle range theories to find one that explains or predicts your situation the best.
Use the Smith &Liehr reading to guide you. Use the language of theory.

Sample Outline (subtitles)

Introduction

Practice Story

Concept(s) Identified

Middle Range Theory that Best Fits the Situation

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