Where Did the Theory Come From
Order Description
Directions
Explore how Madeleine Leininger created her theory the transcultural nursing theory developed
created her theory. Did it develop as an acorn becoming a mighty oak over the decades? Did it
arrive as a burst of light like the big bang as some believe created our universe? Was it developed
from a blueprint like a spaceship where thousands of scholars worked together to create a rocket to
the moon? In point of fact, how is a theory developed? This is what we are exploring.
You will pick a theorist who interests you, it does not have to be a nurse theorist. You may also
choose from other disciplines such as: behavioral, leadership, business, education, technology.
As you read, look at how you (taking on the persona of the theorist) developed the theory.
In the first stage, theorizing occurs. This is where you, as the theorist, identify the concepts of
what nursing is and is not. Perhaps you questioned what concepts were guiding those in nursing
practice and then started to question your role. You started asking yourself, “Where am I in
nursing, and where the profession is going? Is there some overarching concept that guides the
professional in his or her practice?” This is where you recognize that a theory is needed.
In the second stage, syntax is developed. This is where you will define the terms. Look for
changing definitions of terms. Consider, for example, Jean Watson. She starts by defining the word
“caring.” Within the last ten years she has refined her terminology changing the term caring to
caritas. This demonstrates a growth and maturation from decades of research she and other scholars
did to produce the theory of caring.
The third stage is theory testing. Defined as the phenomena behind the theory that are exposed
through research. The definitions of terms are refined. The theorists and other researchers
consider whether this theory helps answer questions that arise in practice. This is where your
theory is used in by a widening group of researchers. For example, graduate nursing students
request the tool you developed while testing your theory.
The fourth and last stage is evaluation. This is where philosophical debate occurs as the concepts
are applied through evidenced based practice in the act of providing nursing care.
Assignment Details
For this Assignment, you are going to write an article for a nursing journal explaining how you
developed your theory through the four stages (theorizing, syntax, theory testing, and evaluation).
1. Introduction-brief paragraph or two that describes the purpose of the manuscript--Purpose of the
assignment clearly described in a paragraph or two.
2. Stage 1: Theorizing; This part contains at least three concepts identified to what nursing is
and what nursing is not.
3. Stage 2 Syntax:This part of the assignment contains at least two or more terms clearly defined
4. Stage 3: Theory testing: in this section you will describe…Provides two or more examples of how
theory was applied to quantitative/qualitative research consisting of different populations and a
widening group of researchers outside the discipline of nursing.
Stage 4: Evaluation:…Provides at least five examples of how theory is applied through evidenced
based practice in the act of providing nursing care.
Conclusion- presents a broad look at the four stages you went through to develop your theory and
projects its future use in the nursing profession-The author was able to make succinct and precise
conclusions