11 May Choose a Middle Range Theory from the list below for which you would like to expand nursing knowledge

Part I: Middle Range Theory

Instructions

Choose a Middle Range Theory from the list below for which you would like to expand nursing knowledge. Each theory is described in its own chapter of the Smith & Liehr (2018) textbook.

Theories of Uncertainty in Illness

Theory of Meaning

Theory of Bureaucratic Caring

Theory of Self-Transcendence

Theory of Symptom Management

Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms

Theory of Self-Efficacy

Story Theory

Theory of Transitions

Theory of Self-Reliance

Theory of Cultural Marginality

Theory of Moral Reckoning

Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness

 

 

Next, gather at least five articles related to the theory you chose that were published in scholarly (i.e., peer-reviewed) journals in the last five years. Start by going to the KSU Library Home Page and conducting a SuperSearch (i.e., database search).

Be sure to gather a variety of information (e.g., what the theory’s author has written, research reports, practice papers, opinion papers, critiques). If you cannot locate five articles published in the last five years, expand your search to more than five years ago.

 

Note: At least one of your articles must be a qualitative study (i.e., data-based) and at least one of your articles must be a quantitative study (i.e., data-based).

 

 

After you gather scholarly articles related to the theory, go through the preparation phase described below before you write the paper. You will want to re-familiarize yourself with evaluation of Middle Range Theories for nursing by revisiting pages 38-45 of Smith and Liehr (2018).

 

 

Preparation Phase

 

Begin by taking time to read, re-read, and reflect on the information you gathered until you understand the theory well. Approach your reading and reflection with empathy, curiosity, honesty, and professional responsibility.

 

 

Be sure to record your thoughts, questions, reactions, etc. that come up during the preparation phase. You will reference them when you write the paper.

 

 

Note: Refrain from reading others’ critiques of the theory until you have answered the questions in the Substantive Foundation, Structural Integrity, and Functional Adequacy sections below.

 

 

As you read about and reflect on the theory, review the criteria in Table 3.1 on p. 39 of Smith and Liehr (2018). Look for evidence regarding whether the theory meets each criterion.

 

 

Remember to record your thoughts, questions, and reactions. When you complete the preparation phase, you are ready to write Part I as described below.

 

 

Introduction (1-2 paragraphs)

 

Briefly introduce the Middle Range Theory you chose and discuss why you would like to expand nursing knowledge in this area. End the introduction with an overview of what you will cover.

 

 

Substantive Foundation (1-2 pages)

 

For the Substantive Foundation criteria, refer to the notes you made in the preparation phase and answer the following questions. Is the theory within the focus of the discipline of nursing? Are the theory’s assumptions specified and congruent with the theory’s focus? Does the theory provide a substantive description, explanation, or interpretation of the phenomenon at the heart of the theory? Are the theory’s origins rooted in practice and research experience?

 

 

Give equal weight to the strengths and weaknesses of the theory you identify. Trust your judgment. Support your answers to each question by giving explicit reasons for the decision you made and examples to illustrate your points. If you found any critiques of the theory, read them now and note whether the points made support or refute your judgments.

 

 

Structural Integrity (1-2 pages)

 

For the Structural Integrity criteria, refer to the notes you made in the preparation phase and answer the following questions. Are the theory’s concepts clearly defined? Are they at the middle range level of abstraction? Are there no more concepts than needed to explain the phenomenon at the heart of the theory? Are the concepts and the relationships among them logically represented in a model?

 

 

Give equal weight to the strengths and weaknesses of the theory you identify. Trust your judgment. Support your answers to each question by giving explicit reasons for the decision you made and examples to illustrate your points. If you found any critiques of the theory, read them now and note whether the points made support or refute your judgments.

 

 

Functional Adequacy (1-2 pages)

 

 

For the Functional Adequacy criteria, refer to the notes you made in the preparation phase and answer the following questions. Can the theory be applied to a variety of practice environments and client groups? Have empirical indicators been identified for the theory’s concepts? Are there published examples of the theory’s use in practice? Are there published examples of research related to the theory? Has the theory evolved through scholarly inquiry?

 

 

Give equal weight to the strengths and weaknesses of the theory you identify. Trust your judgment. Support your answers to each question by giving explicit reasons for the decision you made and examples to illustrate your points. If you found any critiques of the theory, read them now and note whether the points made support or refute your judgments.

 

 

Evaluation Summary & Recommendations (1-2 paragraphs)

 

In this final section of Part I, summarize your overall evaluation of the theory. Use convincing logic. Then, make at least three specific recommendations regarding ways in which the theory might be clarified, extended, and/or revised.

 

 

Have confidence in your evaluation summary and recommendations. You might see the theory in a way no one else has!

 

 

 

 

Smith, M. J., & Liehr, P. R. (2018). Middle range theory for nursing (4th ed.) Springer. 11-7-22