assignment

This week continues the examination of nursing theory with a focus on middle range theories. Middle range theories are frequently used in nursing research and as frameworks for evidence-based practice. This week, you will examine the applicability of middle range theories to practice and nursing research. You will also develop a research hypothesis for an evidence-based practice project using a middle range theory as a framework.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

Analyze the application of middle range theories for determining the nature and significance of health and health care delivery phenomena

Identify the influence of empiricism on quantitative research methodology

Develop a research question using a selected middle range theory to resolve a practice problem

Learning Resources

Required Readings

McEwin, M., & Wills, E. M. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing. (5th ed.) Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.

Chapter 10, "Introduction to Middle Range Nursing Theories"

Chapter 10 begins the exploration of middle range theories and discusses their development, refinement, and use in research.

Chapter 11, "Overview of Selected Middle Range Nursing Theories"

Chapter 11 continues the examination of middle range theories and provides an in depth examination of a select set of theories.

Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.

Chapter 6, "Objectives, Questions, Variables, and Hypotheses"

Chapter 6 guides nurses through the process of identifying research objectives, developing research questions, and creating research hypotheses.

Fawcett, J., & Garity, J. (2009). Chapter 6: Evaluation of middle-range theories. Evaluating research for evidence-based nursing (pp. 73-88). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis.

This book chapter evaluates the use and significance of middle-range theories in nursing research and clinical practice.

DeSanto-Madeya, S., & Fawcett, J. (2009). Toward Understanding and Measuring Adaptation Level in the Context of the Roy Adaptation Model. Nursing Science Quarterly, 22(4), 355-359.

This article describes how the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM) is used to guide nursing practice, research, and education in many different countries.

Jacelon, C., Furman, E., Rea, A., Macdonald, B., & Donoghue, L. (2011). Creating a professional practice model for postacute care: adapting the Chronic Care Model for long-term care. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 37(3), 53-60.

This article addresses the need to redesign health care delivery to better meet the needs of individuals with chronic illness and health problems.

Murrock, C. J., & Higgins, P. A. (2009). The theory of music, mood and movement to improve health outcomes. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65 (10), 2249–2257. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05108.x

This article discusses the development of a middle-range nursing theory on the effects of music on physical activity and improved health outcomes.

Optional Resources

McCurry, M., Revell, S., & Roy, S. (2010). Knowledge for the good of the individual and society: Linking philosophy, disciplinary goals, theory, and practice. Nursing Philosophy, 11(1), 42–52.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Assignment 1: Literature Review Matrix

Continue to work on this Assignment, assigned in Week 6 and due by Day 7 of this week.

To prepare:

Review Part III of the Literature Review Matrix and notice which middle range theories were used most frequently in the articles you reviewed.

Consider the appropriate use of the theoretical frameworks in each article.

Review the information on empiricism presented in Chapter 1 of Theoretical Basis for Nursing and Chapter 6 in The Practice of Nursing Research: Appraisal, Synthesis, and Generation of Evidence as you consider your response to Part IV.

By Day 7 of this Week

Complete Part III of the Literature Review Matrix.

In your analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature, note the appropriate use of the theoretical frameworks.

Complete Part IV addressing the influence of empiricism on quantitative methodology.