Abstract This paper examines how groundedtheory is utilized in performing a qualitative research and how it recognizes and allows the subjectivity of its participants, but attempts to still be objective and avoids researcher and participant biases. The paper also looks at how there are three basic elements of groundedtheory: concepts, categories, and propositions. In addition, the paper looks at the advantages and disadvantages of the theory as well as its relevance to nursing research.
Outline:
Description of GroundedTheory The Advantages and Disadvantages of GroundedTheory Relevance of GroundedTheory to Nursing Research
From the Paper "There are three basic elements of grounded theory: concepts, categories, and propositions (Pandit, 1996). A theoretical concept is not the data itself, but it unifies these small data into one phenomenon. Small data are recognized as codes. A concept determines if a certain data is encountered is relevant to the subject being studied. A concept is a little bit more abstract than data collected. Concrete ideas such as "taking pain relievers" or "sleeping" may be considered as activities to "removing pain". The second element of grounded theory is the use of categories. Grounded theory makes use of more abstract labels, or categories, to organize data. As more seemingly random concepts arise, a relationship among them can be found. "
This paper discuses groundedtheory, which is one method of qualitative research and a form of field research, and applies this approach to the field of nursing.
Abstract This paper explains that the outstanding feature of groundedtheory is that researchers never begin with a theory but identify various constructs in the data generated by the study. The author points out that underlying groundedtheory is the sociological perspective of symbolic interactionism. The paper defines the theory of symbolic interationism stating that the way people behave and interact is determined by the way they impose their meanings and interpret the symbolism they encounter in their lives. The author relates that groundedtheory is of great value to nursing research because it can be empirically tested. The paper reports that groundedtheory has been used effectively to investigate issues relating to the nursing profession such as nursing education, practice and administration.
From the Paper "Any concepts and variables that emerge are then interrelated by using core variables. Core variables are extremely important as the discovery of a core variable is the whole purpose of grounded theory. The core variable is what gives meaning to the central theme and also explains what is taking place with the data. The core variable also is the central concept for the sake of theory generation and the entire value of the theory depends on that core variable. There are six features associated with the core variable."
Abstract This paper explains that both ethnographic and grounded-theory research seek to find a scientifically valid and effective way of conducting research on a variety of subjects. Ethnographic research tends to be more of a mixture of qualitative and quantitative measures, whereas, grounded-theory research tends to be more purely quantitative. The author points out that ethnographic research is a naturalistic, observational method, which elicits rich descriptions of context and culture, alternating between a narrow and a broad focus. The paper relates that, because it deals with an explicitly theoretical research problem, grounded-theory methodology is more direct, more rationalized and quantitative in nature, and primarily seeks to answer research questions through the proposition that scientific research cannot be proposed without substantive or grounded data to back it up.
From the Paper "There are many approaches to conducting research, some qualitative and some quantitative, and some which have facets of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Quantitative research designs serve the purpose of showing causal motivations, observing present conditions and longitudinal comparisons, and establishing relationships with evidence from a sample size that is generally large or, in some cases, deferred to a larger statistical research body. Qualitative designs, on the other hand, focus more on specifics than the
generalities suggested by these tendencies towards large sampling groups in quantitative research."
Abstract This paper describes the four basic approaches of qualitative research: Ethnographic Studies, Phenomenology, Field Research and GroundedTheory. The paper identifies three approaches, Phenomenology, Field Research and GroundedTheory, that were used to guide the collection of data necessary to identify the factors that make a home visit more effective in helping the patient cope with cancer. The paper describes the qualitative semi-structure interviews used in gathering the data and the analytic methods that include open, axial and selective coding.
From the Paper "In the analysis process, the main strategy employed is the coding method. Open coding was used to identify the concepts of the phenomenon, which were then grouped into categories. More specific open coding is evident in the content of the semi-structured interviews, such as the benefits of home visits, confidentiality issues, issues to be taken up during home visits and "patients" reasons for participating in this type of home intervention.? "
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses criteria for qualitative research. The writer applies these criteria to a research article on nursing. In this paper the writer discusses methods used in qualitative research. The writer explains that these methods are ethnography, phenomenology, and groundedtheory.
From the Paper "Qualitative research is based on the idea that reality is not predetermined but is created by the participants as the research progresses i.e. the participants make their own reality. It explores phenomena by looking at how the individuals experience them and assumes that it is possible to get the best understanding of phenomena by having a small interpersonal distance between the researcher and the subjects. Qualitative research does not involve carrying out experiments and has no dependent or independent variables. The basis of qualitative research ... "
Abstract In 'Coping Strategies Used by the Relatives of People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder', Stengler, Wenzke, Trosbach, Dietrich, and Angermeyer (2004) collectively conducted a qualitative study of the coping mechanisms employed by the family members of individuals who suffer from OCD. This essay attempts to understand as fully as possible the burden that is placed on those individuals in caring for OCD victims both in the sense of responsibility but also psychosocial ramifications.
Abstract This paper reviews a mid-range theory in a peer reviewed nursing article. The paper explores the mid-range theory of chronic sorrow as it is discussed in LaDonna Northington's article 'Chronic Sorrow in Caregivers of School Age Children with Sickle Cell Disease: A GroundedTheory Approach.' The paper then explains why this article was chosen, provide an overview of the theory, discuss some key points which cannot be passed over in silence, analyze how the theory is utilized by the academic in question, and consider the article's (and the theories) general strengths and weaknesses.
Abstract This paper explains the concept of a just war and examines the theoretical aspect and historical aspect of the just war theory. The paper explains that the theoretical aspect is concerned with ethically justifying the engagement of war as well as the forms of warfare and that the historical aspect is concerned with the historical body of rules or mutual agreements existing in various wars across the ages. The paper also explains that the idea of a just war has historical precedent and can be seen as far back as biblical times and extends down through the Middle Ages and the time of Shakespeare.
From the Paper "The idea of a "just war" is a conundrum. How can one group of people consider their actions "right" or "just" to apply military force against a another group. When can one group's actions, which will create devastation, economic difficulty, and death to thousands of people, be considered "right"? In a civilized society, the concept of a "just war" has become the centerpiece of many discussions, and has acted as a gate keeper, restraining hawkish tendencies of nations who pride themselves in freedom, and individual liberty. In order for a nation to engage in an activity which creates harm for another group, there must be a justifiable reason."
This paper discusses nursing theory, specifically in regards to self-care facilitated by Dorothy Orem's model and the mid-range theory of the community health model.
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of nursing theory as not simply a philosophical abstraction, but as also useful for the demands for "description, explanation, prediction and control" during nursing work and study. Having a background in nursing theories can prove helpful because theories give clues as to what to ask, what to observe, what to focus on and what to think about when a nurse is under pressure or dealing with a noncompliant patient. The paper asserts that even grand theories have a practical emphasis. They can offer validation of the patient's cultural differences and self-empowerment and actualization through facilitating patient self-care. Self-care facilitation is a stress in many of the grand theories, as Orem's theory likewise attempts to address self-care deficits such as patient noncompliance with a dietary or physical fitness regime. There is always inevitable overlap between models, as contemporary nursing models and grand theories all strive to be limited to a focus on problems in nurse-patient situations or problems in person-environment interaction to be of use in practitioners in the field. Furthermore, the paper looks at the use of middle range theories in nursing, which some assert are more useful and more easily tested in practice. These mid-range theories act as subsidiaries of grand theories, and draw a great deal of their philosophy from grand theories. The major categories of knowledge reflected in different contemporary nursing models and grand theories, which include needs-based approaches, interaction-based approaches, outcome-focused approaches and humanistic approaches can be placed through the use of mid-range theories in a very specific context, such as pain management, or health promotion.
From the Paper "Orem places a strong emphasis on exercise and physical activity that the patient can achieve him or herself. In the Community Empowerment Model, the nurse can provide counseling how to achieve such goals in the context of the patient's specific community and cultural environment (Extract from "Medicare Primary and Consumer Directed Care Demonstration: Health Promotion Nurse Intervention Model," 2002). The importance of exercise is directly derived from Orem's stress upon the need for the nurse to help the patient with such basic self-care modalities as nutrition, hygiene (including better sleep hygiene), mobility (including exercise), medication, and more empowered behavior. Orem also stresses patient empowerment in the context of direct nursing care, where the nurse has direct contact with client and/or family, along with Orem's the belief that self-care deficits are the result of environmental situations (Mayo, 1997).
"The environmental impact upon self-care also illustrates how the Community Empowerment Middle Range theory springs directly from Orem's influence, along with the pragmatic and humanist philosophical influences gave birth to Orem's stress upon patient empowerment during the entire process of treatment. The Community Empowerment Model also incorporates multiculturalism into its philosophy. Both theories share the logical positivist emphasis which stresses situations and context dictating the course of treatment, and the importance of taking into consideration the environment of the patient."
Tags: self-care facilitation Orem, mid-range theory, community health model, treatment
A review and discussion regarding four different criminal theories: differential association theory, strain theory, routine activity theory, and a feminist theory.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, 2005, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper examines four critical theories that have been developed in order to study criminal behavior in human societies. Each of the theories discussed in this paper have been chosen from a wide list of options and are part of a separate classification group. The four theories that this paper identifies are differential association theory, strain theory, routine activity theory, and a feminist theory.
From the Paper "Criminology is a wide field devoted to the theoretical study of crime, of its causes, of its relationship to the law, and of its relationship to human communities. In a way, crime affects all human societies at very fundamental levels. That such a powerful force should spawn a critical discipline devoted to its study is not surprising. Once it became an academic discipline it is even less surprising that critics and theorists have been unable to agree upon a theoretical framework that encompasses all aspects of criminology. Instead, criminology has been divided, over the years, into a number of critical theories that sometimes complement one another and other times are at odds with each other."
Abstract Social Structure Theories and Social Processes Theories are often used interchangeably. This essay highlights the fundamental differences outlining social structure and social process theories. In order to compare these theories, the paper draws attention to the various theories of juvenile delinquency and the difference of perspective involved and the obtrusive causes outlined by the distinct theories for engagement in criminal acts at a young age. Two different theories are presented attempting to explain juvenile delinquency, presenting various facets of adolescent criminal behavior and the possible causes of such behavior.
From the Paper "One of the major challenges faced by the law-making authorities of the United States today is the reduction of juvenile delinquency and to increase the effectiveness of lawful regulations in the country. The alarming augmentation in crime rate at adolescent echelon is the most worrisome problem facing America therefore researchers and experts of the related field have developed various theories regarding juvenile delinquency outlining motivations and reasons behind the existence and the frequency of crime at juvenile stage. In order to well-comprehend the perspective of various philosophies related to juvenile delinquency, it is highly essential to know what juvenile delinquency is about."
Abstract This essay discusses broad nursing theory and mid-range theory. The specific theories that are used as examples are comfort theory (mid-range) and self care deficit theory (broad theory). The paper shows that both theories are constructive to nursing, but that mid-range theory allows experimentation and solid conclusions.
Abstract In this article, the writer first discusses that most researchers believed that during the 1950s the topics that were not raised consistently as influences on educational theories like racial discrimination, status of women, etc., had more drastic effect than the issues that were addressed. The writer then relates that educational theories were more specialized and respected in the 1960s than any other on the basis of the incorporation of assessment procedures that guaranteed impartiality, lucidity, and practical inflexibility. Further, the writer notes that Thomas Kuhn's Structure of Scientific Revolutions in 1970 basically brought forth the notion of competition that was singly the most influential concept in the coming decades. The writer points out that the decade of the 1980s saw feminism, neo-Marxist notion, and the first drafts of the postmodern theory being considered as legal areas of concern in the sphere educational philosophy. Finally, the writer notes that the 1990s brought around tragedy, feelings of loss and uncertainty among the societies. The writer concludes that in the future, one can hope that the reforms and incorporations that have been made over the past decades in the education theories yield fruitful results by enhancing educational standards and efficiency of the execution of education philosophies.
Outline:
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1950s
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1960s
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1970s
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1980s
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1990s
Conclusion
From the Paper "There were also quite a few articles that chose to concentrate only the numerous problems or aspects of the education policies present like the level of educational liberty available to both the students and the teachers, the educational as well as peripheral responsibilities of the academic management. An example of an essay of this format is the article written by Willard Spalding who was the Dean of the College of Education at the University of Illinois at the time. He in this article tried to design a completely fresh notion and theory of training the teachers. He believed that this could be achieved by invalidating what he believed to be the conservative or traditional comprehension of the association amid the traits and various units of education. He followed the viewpoint first brought forth by Aristotle that regarded the numerous units as the primary factors whereas the traits as the secondary factors. Spalding supported this viewpoint because he believed that this led to a more lucid understanding of the society's needs and requirements for the educational standards, temperaments and policies."
Abstract This paper examines the many theories and processes of contemporary management theory and explains the benefits and drawbacks of implementing these theories. The paper explains two of these theories - contingency theory and systems theory - in detail. The writer discusses how all of the contemporary management theories are somehow related to another. The writer then suggests that in order to understand these differences, organizations must become a 'learning organization' and be efficient in their knowledge management. The writer further notes that there are limitations to some of these theories as they are still currently being researched, developed and revised as time passes. The writer concludes that the beauty of contemporary management theory is that it allows us to combine, experiment and find best alternatives in dealing with today's managerial problems.
From the Paper "Management has been around since the beginning of human civilization, way back to the Egyptian times. The earlier years of the last century gave birth to the first theories in approaching management, which we today classify as the classical perspective. During that time management theorists "conceptualise organisations as machines, and workers as cogs within those machines" (Davidson et al. 2006, p. 21). This view gradually evolved into behavioural perspectives theories. The behavioural theories incorporated the elements of "individual attitudes and behaviours" as well as the "group processes" (Davidson et al. 2006, p. 22). At present we now look at management at a contemporary perspective. Contemporary theories "seek to derive value for the organisation" (Davidson et al. 2006, p. 26) by trying to interpret the "today's organizational environments" through the use of past and current perspectives."
An assessment of the implications of the use of major theories in educational psychology in literacy teaching and how these theories are implemented to evaluate and reflect on ways to improve teaching practices to English speaking students.
Abstract The paper discusses in detail the current approaches to the manner in which people learn and of the classification of these groups. It states there are many theories on learning and how people learn and that there are elements of cross over between many of the theories. The paper explores the factors that can influence the way people learn in relation to learning theories.
Outline:
Introduction
Behaviourism
Learning environment
How this theory relates to my own practice and communication
Cognitive development
Learning environment
How this theory relates to my own practice and communication
Humanism
Learning environment
How this theory relates to my own practice and communication
Gestalt
Learning environment
How this theory relates to my own practice and communication
Ways in which theories and principles of learning and communication will apply to promote inclusive practice
Conclusion
From the Paper "To communicate effectively to all of my learners, I will always bear the Hierarchy of Needs in mind when lesson planning by providing adequate support and resources, including help, respect, and encouragement to assist the various learning styles and domains. This will include sensory learning experiences using facts and general concepts relating to their own culture and background, visual and verbal prompting, experiential learning and time for evaluation and analysis through active reflection, in a detailed structured way "
Tags: learing, teaching, communication, Dewey, humanistic, theory
