Chapter Questions
What assumptions must be made to engage in theory development in nursing? Identify and discuss the implicit and explicit assumptions in this chapter.
What are the relationships between grand theories, middle-range theories, and situation-specific theories?
Identify one theory in your field of interest; indicate the rationale for which it is considered a theory and why it is or it is not a nursing theory.
Should middle-range theories be developed and tested before developing situation-specific theories? Why?
Describe how the author developed this theory and what strategies you may use to develop it further.
Compare and contrast a middle-range and a situation-specific theory. What are the similarities and differences in the processes of development, the sources, and the testing?
Select a phenomenon for which a theory may be developed. Develop a theory using one of the strategies discussed in this chapter. Why did you select this strategy? How might you refine it?
Select a middle-range theory in your field and develop a situation-specific theory using the guidelines outlined in this chapter. How would you refine these guidelines?
Prepare a manuscript for publication using one of the strategies in developing a theory reflecting your field of interest.