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Running head: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Theoretical Framework
Liberty University
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THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Theoretical Framework
Theory in Research
The integration of theory in research allows us to organize thoughts and processes to gain
a deeper understanding of outcomes learned through research. The three types of theories used in
research are descriptive, explanatory, and predictive. Each type of theory allows for specific
types of research. Descriptive theories involve a “set of concepts that focuses on dimensions,
characteristics, situations, and commonalities of a phenomenon of interest” (McEwen & Wills,
2018, pg. 456). This type of theory leads to descriptive research, which can be achieved through
observation of a specific phenomenon. Explanatory theory defines relationships of specific
characteristics that may belong to individuals, groups, situations, or events. This type is related to
correlational research, in which characteristics are measured (McEwen & Wills, 2018). Lastly,
predictive theory is exactly what it sounds like, the prediction of the relational outcomes of
specific characteristics between different groups. This theory is related to experimental research,
in which certain situations are manipulated in order to determine the effects (McEwen & Wills,
2018).
Application of Theory in Research
In the article titled The Influence of Work-Related Fatigue, Work Conditions, and
Personal Characteristics on Intent to Leave Among New Nurses, descriptive theory was used to
develop a hypothesis to test, setting up the framework for this study.
Study Variables
Variables identified in the study are personal characteristics, work conditions, work-
related fatigue (latent variables) as well as intent to leave (measurable variable).
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THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Conceptual Definitions
Concepts included in this study include personal characteristics, work conditions, work
related fatigue, and intent to leave. Personal characteristics was defined as such things as age,
educational level, work experience, and overall health status. Work conditions were identified as
average working hours per day and overall workload. Work related fatigue utilizes an
occupational fatigue exhaustion recovery scale, in which fatigue is classified as chronic, acute, or
intershift and intent to leave is defined as an individual who is considering leaving an
organization or even the nursing profession all together.
Instruments
A cross-sectional study design was created in order to test the hypothesized question.
This design included a questionnaire survey administered to nurses to self-report specific
information that was asked in order to determine if intent to leave was related to the latent
variable (personal characteristics, work conditions, work-related fatigue).
Findings
In short, the researchers did find a relationship between work-related fatigue and a new
nurse’s intent to leave.
Implications for Nursing Practice
Hospitals must become more aware of the relationship between work conditions and
nursing turnover. Administrators should show greater interest in helping to reduce overall fatigue
in nurses to improve nurse retention.
Recommendations for Further Research
Further research should be conducted on hospitals who implement fatigue reducing
strategies, in order to determine if these interventions improve nurse fatigue and retention rates.
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THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
References
Liu, Y., Wu, L., Chou, P., Chen, M., Yang, L., & Hsu, H. (2015). The influence of work-related
fatigue, work conditions, and personal characteristics on intent to leave among new
nurses. Journal of Nursing Scholarship,48(1), 66-73. doi:10.1111/jnu.12181
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2018). Theoretical basis for nursing(5th ed.). Philadelphia:
Wolters Kluwer.
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