Conceptual Framework Orig
Conceptual Framework Orig
On
Submitted to:
Submitted By:
Amanjot Kaur Deol
M.Sc.Nursing (I year)
Page |2
INTRODUCTION-
Conceptual models deal with abstractions (concepts) that are assembled by virtue of their
relevance to a common theme. Conceptual models are made up of concepts and proposition that
state the relationship between the concepts. The conceptual frame of reference is organized to
summarize existing knowledge and to show how the research problem chosen for study fits
together with knowledge already known about subject.
TERMINOLOGY-
CONCEPT-
Concepts are basically vehicles of thought that involve images. Concepts are words that
describe objects, properties, or events .
TYPES:
1. Empirical concepts-
Based on observation, experience or experiment and not on theory.
2. Inferential concepts-
Something that you can find out indirectly from what you already know: to draw or make
inferences from the data. Example: universe is expanding.
3. Abstract concepts-
Existing in thought rather than matter or practice or not concrete.
MODEL-
SCHEMATIC MODELS-
Schematic models are visual representations of some aspect of reality; like conceptual models
and theories, they use concepts as building blocks but with minimal use of words. A visual or
symbolic representation of a theory or conceptual framework often helps to express abstract
ideas in a concise and readily understandable form.
CONCEPTUAL MODEL-
A conceptual model represents ideas or notion that have been put together in a unique
way to describe area of concern. It assists individuals in organizing their thinking in order
to select a focus of study and in interpreting the findings. (Morse,1992)
Page |3
1. Both conceptual models and theories use concepts as building blocks but conceptual
models lack deductive system of propositions that assert a relationship between the
concepts.
2. Conceptual models provide a conceptual perspective regarding interrelated
phenomena but are more loosely structured than theories.
4. Conceptual models are not directly testable by researchers in the same way that
theories are.
5. However, conceptual models like theories can serve as important springboards for the
generation of hypotheses to be tested.
Conceptual models and theories can never be confirmed or proved. A model or theory
represents a scientist’s best efforts to describe and explain phenomena; today’s
successful model or theory may be related to tomorrow’s intellectual junk yard.
Theories and models that are not congruent with culture’s values and philosophical
orientation also may be discredited over time. Thus theories or model, no matter what
in subject matter, can ever be considered final and verified.
The linkage of findings into a coherent structure makes the body of accumulated
knowledge more accessible.
Can guide the researchers understanding of not only the what of natural phenomena
but also the why of their occurrence.
For some topics, having students participate in the development and validation of
conceptual models to help them understand different physical processes is a worthwhile
learning objective.
The development of conceptual models can help introduce students to the terminology
and to a conceptual understanding of systems thinking and modeling.
When equations for some process being studied seem to obscure student understanding
it is a good idea to step back a bit and discuss a conceptual model of the processes.
Actually, it is typically best to develop a conceptual framework for understanding before
introducing equations.
Figure 1
Causal Loop diagrams are a great tool for developing and understanding conceptual
models and are invaluable for extending conceptual models into nursing models.
The negative feedback loop shown causes the coffee to migrate toward room
temperature.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK-
INTRODUCTION-
In a study that has its roles in a specified conceptual model, the framework is called conceptual
framework. The conceptual framework formalizes the thinking process so that others may read
and know the frame of reference, basic to research problems. One formulates conceptual
framework by creating order out of otherwise disorganized information. A framework relating to
nursing problem for study is derived from available empirical knowledge finding from the
research of others, assumptions, explanation and delineation of concepts. Thus conceptual
model provides organization for thinking, observing and interpreting what is seen, gives direction
to the search for identifying a question to ask about the phenomenon and point out solutions to
problem.
DEFINITION-
Conceptual frameworks (theoretical frameworks) are a type of intermediate theory that attempt
to connect to all aspects of inquiry (e.g., problem definition, purpose, literature review,
methodology, data collection and analysis). Conceptual frameworks can act like maps that give
Page |6
Nursing has made phenomenal achievement in the last century that has led to the
recognition of nursing as an academic discipline and a profession. A move towards theory-
based practice has made contemporary nursing more meaningful and significant by shifting
nursing’s focus from vocation to an organised profession. The need for knowledge-base to
guide professional nursing practice had been realised in the first half of the twentieth century
and many theoretical works have been contributed by nurses ever since, first with the goal of
making nursing a recognised profession and later with the goal of delivering care to patients
as professionals.
Researchers use conceptual models or theoretical frameworks to provide an organizing
structure for their studies, to guide the development and testing of hypotheses, and to place
research finding within the context of science. Selection of an appropriate and useful
framework is an essential step in the development of a research project.
Common concepts in nursing theories
Four concepts common in nursing theory that influence & determine nursing practice are:
1. The person (patient).
2. The environment
3. Health
4. Nursing (goals, roles, functions)
Each of these concepts is usually defined & described by a nursing theorist, often
uniquely; although these concepts are common to all nursing theories. Of the four
concepts, the most important is that of the person. The focus of nursing, regardless of
definition or theory, is the person.
These conceptual models were not developed primarily as a base for nursing research.
Indeed, these models have thus far had more impact on nursing education ,
administration and clinical practice than on nursing research. Nevertheless, nurse
researchers are turning increasingly toward these conceptual frameworks for their
inspiration and theoretical foundations in formulating research questions.
Page |7
Conceptual model
Page |8
Nola J.Pender’s :The Health Promoting optimum health supersedes disease prevention.
promotion; model Identifies cognitive, perceptual factors in clients which are
modified by demographical and biological characteristics,
interpersonal influences, situational and behavioral factors
that help predict in health promoting behavior.
-FAMILIES
-WORKPLACE A CONCEPTUAL
-HEALTH CARE FRAMEWORK FOR NEED
SETTING PERCEPTION INTERACTING
-HABITS SYSTEMS IMOGENE KING
P a g e | 13
To guide the development and testing of interventions and hypotheses based on the
tenets of the theory.
To explain the study results and place the findings within the context of science in a
specific field of investigation. The interpretation of findings flows from the
conceptualization represented by the framework.
Nursing models have been criticized for failing to provide holistic care, and preventing
nurses from thinking "outside of the box". This has been compounded by many hospitals that
have developed "pre-printed" care plans that have been misused by nurses who have failed to
customize these generic care plans to the patient. An example of this would be using a standard
care plan for appendectomy for an elderly patient with multiple pathology (for instance diabetes,
angina pectoris and a history of myocardial infarction). Evidently, the patient's care needs would
be very different from a fit-and-healthy 20 year old male with no previous medical history who
neither smokes nor drinks. It is up to the professional to tailor the care plan to suit the individual
patient.
Models of nursing have always been accused of being "out of touch" with the harsh
reality of patient care, and creating yet more unnecessary paperwork for nurses to
complete.
Technological advances may produce client specific nursing models.
CONCLUSION-
The conceptual nursing models help to provide knowledge to improve practice, guide research
and curriculum and identify the goals of nursing practice. The state of art and science of
nursing theory is one of continuing growth. Using the internet the nurses of the world can
share ideas and knowledge, carrying on the work begun by nursing theorists and continue the
growth and development of new nursing knowledge. It is important the nursing knowledge is
learnt, used, and applied in the theory based practice for the profession and the continued
development of nursing and academic discipline.
P a g e | 14
BIBLIOGRAPHY-
1.Polit DE.Hungler BP. Conceptual and theoretical framework contents. Nursing Research-
Principles and Methods 1999: 6th Ed; 107,110.
2.Polit DE.Beck CT. Developing a theoretical or conceptual context. Nursing Research-
Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice 2000:8th ed; 141-153
3.Internet Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conceptual_framework#cite_note-2
nursingplanet.com/Nursing_Research/free_journals1.htm
currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/application_nursing_theories
Craven and Hirlie; Fundamentals of Nursing(Human Health and
Function); (3) rd Ed.; 2000, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Pp 69-85