Posted: December 1st, 2022

The Science and Art of Theory Development and Assessment

Instructions to writers: Because this is a peer response,

This was the subject under discussion:

Theory Development and Assessment

Examine the science and art of developing and evaluating theories.

Please respond to each peer individually. The following requirements must be met:

You should respond to at least two of your peers’ posts by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding nuance.
All responses must be constructive and, whenever possible, use literature.

I require this in APA format. Thank you very much!

Discussion Post
1. Examine the science and art of developing and evaluating theories.
Theory development is the process of creating, modifying, or refining a theory. The stages of theory development are as follows: concept analysis, concept refinement, and how concepts are related and proposed. Theories can be descriptive, explanatory, predictive, or prescriptive. Concepts are described, observed, and named using descriptive theory. The relationships between concepts are the basis of explanatory theory. Predictive relationships are those that are causal or consequential. The activities to achieve goals are prescriptive. Based on observation and experience, an existing theory is identified, and its components are analyzed for use in a new context. Concepts, assumptions, and propositions are rethought, and a new nursing theory is created.
As scholars seek to understand and predict human behavior, the effort of humans to create theories is formalized in the sciences and social sciences (Redmond, 2022). When theories demonstrate value in explaining and/or predicting the world around us, they are still developed and adopted by others. The theorist has observed and learned from others, producing a theory that explains or predicts the theorist’s attention target (Redmond, 2022). Previous theories can also be used as the foundation for new or revised theories, possibly incorporating new discoveries, additional concepts, or different applications in the revised theory (Redmond, 2022). Additional research is required to find the answer to a question, and subsequent results allow for additions to the theory. The purpose of the Wheel of Science is to represent the process by which we seek, develop, and discover truth or knowledge (Redmond, 2022). The wheel’s four positions are hypotheses, research/observation, generalizations/deductions, and theory (Redmond, 2022). Established theory is tested for applicability to other concepts or situations, moving the wheel forward toward developing research questions and/or hypotheses. The wheel collects data and observations, generates generalizations, and then either validates/rejects the theory or proposes a revision. Theories provide a unifying framework for conducting research (Redmond, 2022). Systematic literature review articles are classified into three types: domain-based, theory-based, and method-based. These systematic literature reviews and meta-analytical reviews are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of subject areas. The goal of a theory is to specify the context or situation in which it should be applied (Redmond, 2022). Theoretical definitions description of the phenomenon. Operational definitions identification of empirical referent.
Theory Assessment is the process of systematically examining a theory. The examination includes of origins, meaning, logical adequacy, usefulness, generalizability, and testability. The purpose of theory Assessment is to identify a theory’s usefulness in guiding in practice, research, education, and administration.
Reference
Gray, J. R., Grove, S. K., & Sutherland, S. (2021). (2021). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence.
Redmond, M. (2022, November 21). (2022, November 21). University Library: Iowa State University. University Library | Iowa State University. Retrieved from https://www.lib.iastate.edu/ \sStudeerSnel. (2022). 3 theory development, analysis and Assessment – week 3: Theory development, analysis and Assessment. Theory. Retrieved from https://www.studocu.com/en-ca/document/algonquin-college/theory-in-nursing/3-theory-development-analysis-and-Assessment/3681589

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2. The Science and Art of Theory Development and Assessment

Developing and evaluating theories is a crucial aspect of scientific research. Theories are constructed to explain phenomena, predict outcomes, and guide research. The process of developing and evaluating theories involves both scientific and artistic skills, including creativity, critical thinking, and rigorous analysis. In this discussion post, we will examine the science and art of developing and evaluating theories.

The Science of Developing and Evaluating Theories

Developing a theory is a scientific process that requires empirical evidence and logical reasoning. The scientific method is used to develop and test theories. The process begins with an observation of a phenomenon, which leads to the formulation of a hypothesis. The hypothesis is then tested through experimentation, and the results are analyzed to determine whether the hypothesis is supported or not. If the hypothesis is supported, it can be developed into a theory.

The scientific process of developing theories involves several steps. First, researchers must observe and collect data related to the phenomenon they want to explain. Then, they develop a hypothesis that explains the data. The hypothesis must be testable, meaning that it can be verified or falsified through experimentation. If the hypothesis is supported by the data, it can be developed into a theory.

Evaluating theories is also a scientific process that involves empirical evidence and logical reasoning. Theories are evaluated based on their ability to explain phenomena, make predictions, and withstand testing. A theory that has been extensively tested and supported by empirical evidence is considered to be a robust theory. A theory that is not supported by empirical evidence is either modified or rejected.

The Art of Developing and Evaluating Theories

The development and Assessment of theories also require artistic skills, such as creativity and critical thinking. Developing a theory requires creativity because researchers must be able to imagine new explanations for phenomena. They must be able to think outside the box and come up with hypotheses that are not obvious or intuitive.

Evaluating theories requires critical thinking because researchers must be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a theory. They must be able to identify flaws in the theory and develop strategies to address them. Critical thinking also involves analyzing the assumptions underlying the theory and assessing their validity.

Artistic skills are also required when communicating theories to others. Researchers must be able to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. They must be able to use metaphors, analogies, and other creative techniques to convey their ideas effectively.

Sources of Knowledge for Developing and Evaluating Theories

There are several sources of knowledge that researchers can use to develop and evaluate theories. Empirical evidence is the most important source of knowledge. Empirical evidence is obtained through observation, experimentation, and measurement. Empirical evidence can be used to support or refute a theory.

Theoretical knowledge is also an important source of knowledge. Theoretical knowledge is derived from existing theories and models. Theoretical knowledge can be used to develop new theories or modify existing theories.

Expert knowledge is another source of knowledge. Expert knowledge is derived from the experience and expertise of researchers in a particular field. Expert knowledge can be used to develop and evaluate theories.

Developing and evaluating theories is both a science and an art. It requires scientific skills, such as empirical evidence and logical reasoning, as well as artistic skills, such as creativity and critical thinking. Theories are developed through the scientific method, which involves observation, hypothesis development, and testing. Theories are evaluated based on their ability to explain phenomena, make predictions, and withstand testing. Finally, there are several sources of knowledge that researchers can use to develop and evaluate theories, including empirical evidence, theoretical knowledge, and expert knowledge.

1. “Theory Building in Applied Disciplines” by James G. March and Johan P. Olsen (2010)

This article explores the challenges of theory building in applied disciplines, such as management, political science, and sociology. The authors argue that the traditional approach to theory building, which involves developing generalizable and abstract theories, is often inadequate for applied disciplines. Instead, they suggest that applied disciplines require theories that are more context-specific and grounded in empirical observations. The article provides practical advice for researchers on how to develop and evaluate theories in applied disciplines, including the importance of collaboration and the need for iterative theory building.

2. “The Art of Scientific Storytelling: Transform Your Research Manuscript Using a Narrative Techniques” by Rafael E. Luna and Kristin P. O’Connell (2019)

This article discusses the importance of storytelling in scientific research and offers practical advice on how to use narrative techniques to develop and evaluate theories. The authors argue that storytelling can help researchers communicate their ideas more effectively and engage readers on an emotional level. The article provides guidance on how to structure research manuscripts using narrative techniques, including the use of plot, characters, and setting. The authors also discuss the potential benefits of using storytelling to develop and evaluate theories, such as improving the clarity and coherence of research arguments.

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3.The Science and Art of Theory Development and Assessment
Examining theory development involves the integration of many categories and structures. Theory development is the product of research, which is a systematic inquiry process. Each nursing conceptual model is made up of concepts and propositions that are more abstract and general than a theory (Butts & Rich, 2015). (Butts & Rich, 2015). Theories are developed through a melding of science and art in the form of creative conversion of ideas stemming from confrontational facts observed in practice and in the literature. Theory development also may involve deductive reasoning from one or more general concepts and propositions to a specific set of concepts and propositions. In theory development, conceptual models are widely used, and they refer to the very abstract and general work from which theories are derived (Butts & Rich, 2015). (Butts & Rich, 2015). Advanced practice nurses (APNs) can create conceptual theoretical empirical structures for their own studies designed to test an existing theory. APNs certainly may construct conceptual theoretical empirical structures and conduct research independently, but they may be more successful if they form partnerships. These partnerships can be with various healthcare professionals like nurse researchers who are fully prepared to conduct research through research training in a Doctor of Philosophy degree or other educational programs.
The science and art of Assessment involve different criteria. Evaluating these structures for theory generation and theory testing is a five-step process that requires thinking critically and making judgments (Butts & Rich, 2015). (Butts & Rich, 2015). These steps are the Assessment of the conceptual theoretical and empirical linkages, Assessment of the theory, Assessment of the empirical indicators, Assessment of research findings, and Assessment of the utility and soundness of the conceptual model (Butts & Rich, 2015). (Butts & Rich, 2015). In step 1 the conceptual model is explicitly identified and a clear and concise overview of the content of the conceptual model is given. Step 2 Refers to the extent of the social and theoretical importance of the theory. Step 3 refers to the appropriateness of the empirical indicators. Step 4 refers to the extent to which the data agree with the theory. And lastly, step 5 discusses the extent to which the research supports the usefulness and soundness of the conceptual model (Butts & Rich, 2015). (Butts & Rich, 2015). A good example of this process in which we use Assessment theory is the interventions we use in our practice. Difficult interventions are commonly used in the healthcare environment. Complex intervention research can take an efficacy, effectiveness, theory-based, and systems perspective (Skivington et al., 2021). (Skivington et al., 2021). The framework used for these interventions involves a gap analysis to identify developments in the methods and practice since the previous framework was published, a full-day expert workshop, and a redraft using findings from the previous stages, followed by a final expert review (Skivington et al., 2021). (Skivington et al., 2021). The framework divides complex intervention research into four phases: development or identification of the intervention, feasibility, Assessment, and implementation (Skivington et al., 2021). (Skivington et al., 2021). To conclude, Assessment is a difficult process that involves a lot of research, conceptual models, and empirical indicators.

References
Butts, J. & Rich, K. (2015). (2015). Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing practice (3rd ed). (3rd ed.). Jones and Bartlett Learning. ISBN: 9781284112245
Skivington K., Matthews L., Simpson S.A., Craig P., Baird J., Blazeby J.M., Boyd K.A., Craig N., French D.P., McIntosh E., Petticrew M., Rycroft-Malone J., White M., & Moore L. (2021). (2021). A new framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions: update of Medical Research Council guidance. BMJ,30:374.

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