Analyzing and Conceptualizing the Theoretical Foundations of Nursing

Delivers all information required for the Theoretical Foundations of Nursing course

By embracing the major conceptual and theoretical contributions to nursing research that are outside of traditional nursing theory, this book serves as a vital resource for nurse researchers, and one that is indispensable for doctoral nursing students embarking on their dissertations. Containing the full complement of information required for the Theoretical Foundations of Nursing course for PhD programs, the text supports the foundational skills needed for excellence in research and scholarship. The book examines in depth the components of nursing theory and the types of theory used in nursing research and practice, and teaches students about the nature and use of concepts and the development of critical thinking skills that are essential for nursing research.

This text contains information for developing concepts and middle-range theory, using a variety of qualitative research methods, broadening theoretical scope by linking middle-range theories, and moving knowledge toward certainty by use of evidence. It also illustrates the construction of frameworks for quantitative inquiry, exploring theory in mixed-method design and how theory develops knowledge. Each method includes a description of the methodological approach and examples of subsequent concept or theory development. The text includes several methods for the development of concepts, micro- and mid-range theories using qualitative research, and a discussion of the new trend of moving these qualitative theories toward practice-based evidence. Each section of the book contains practical examples and supplementary activities that encourage inquiry. An instructor's manual is included for adopters of the text.

Key Features:

• Teaches the significance of and foundations of perspective, concepts, qualitatively derived theory, quantitative frameworks, quantitative theoretical development, knowledge development from research, application, and evidence
• Focuses on current nursing research and how it is used in practice today
• Demonstrates the significant relationship between theory, research, knowledge development, evidence, and practice
• Promotes excellence in scholarship and research
• Includes an extensive instructor's manual

Janice M. Morse, PhD (Nurs), PhD (Anthro), FCAHS, FAAN, is a professor and Barnes Presidential Chair, College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, and professor emeritus, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Her research contributions include the development of the Praxis Theory of Suffering and Comforting, the Morse Fall Scale (in use internationally), and the advancement of qualitative and mixed-method research. She has edited Qualitative Health Research (QHR) and Global Qualitative Nursing Research, and was founding editor of the International Journal of Qualitative Methods (IJQM). Her publications include Compassionate Nursing, Principles of Mixed-Method Designs, Preventing Patient Falls (Springer Publishing Company), and texts for several qualitative methods. In 1997, she founded the International Institute for Qualitative Methodology (IIQM), directing a network of eight international hubs and 115 universities, supporting training for QHR and mentoring qualitative researchers globally. She was the recipient of the fifth Sigma Theta Tau Episteme Award, an inductee of the Sigma Theta Tau Hall of Fame, and has received honorary doctorates from institutions in Australia and Canada.