A framework can be defined as an abstract and logical structure of a meaning that
informs a particular development of the study (Younas, & Quennell, 2019). To this end, all
frameworks are grounded on the identification of key concepts and the interplay among those
concepts. The descriptive theory refers to abstract generalizations that systematically explain
relations among phenomena (Smith, (2017). In addition, descriptive theory thoroughly describes
a phenomenon grounded on rich observations of it. it describes the behavior of a sample
population by answering the what, when, where and how questions. This paper will critically
assess descriptive theory as well as research questions and hypotheses that could be used to
investigate the use of a conceptual model within the nursing profession.
According to McEwen & Wills (2017), nurse researchers could either use nursing or non-
nursing frameworks or sometimes use both to provide contextual context for their studies. The
use of a specific model determines the kind of information gathered and the way information is
presented and interpreted (Doyle, et al., 2019; Narayan, 2018)). However, Narayan (2018),
recounts the challenges for application of the conceptual framework in research including limited
knowledge in comprehending the concepts of the models, lack of adequate skills in the interplay
between the variables as well as inability to identify, comprehend and formulate assumptions
from the model and link with the research variables(Smith, 2017; McEwen, & Wills, 2017).
Research questions
Research questions and hypotheses play an essential role in narrowing the purpose
statement. Additionally, researchers ask central questions accompanied by several sub-questions
to explore the central phenomenon of interest. The questions also use exploratory verbs and
mention the participants and sometimes the physical area of research.
THEORETICAL MODEL 3
How do nurses in the nursing research profession describe their use of a descriptive
research process?
What are the nurse’s achievement levels in using conceptual models?
Does the use of conceptual models relate to nurse's achievement?
What is the number of nursing research conducted using a conceptual model?
How many nurses possess knowledge of criteria for selecting the conceptual framework
among the population under study?
Hypothesis
The percentage of nurses who utilize conceptual framework in research during training
will not be higher as compared to those who used the framework after training
The proportion of utilization of the conceptual framework in research will not be
significantly different in subsections of the research which include literature review,
methodology and discussion findings, and recommendations.
On the whole, the incorporation of the descriptive theory as a framework in research plays an
essential role in the development of knowledge and fosters theory based nursing practice.
Grounding nursing research on the tenets of theoretical framework enhances understanding of
the human experience with health and illness in the health care domain. For decades, Descriptive
theory and research design have been utilized to inform interdisciplinary education, practice,
knowledge development and research. However, nurses should possess adequate knowledge in
models and theories of application as a conceptual framework to enhance the quality of their
research. It is important to acknowledge that theoretical frameworks are abstractions that are
difficult to understand. For this reason, nurses should not only possess adequate knowledge in
THEORETICAL MODEL 4
existing theories or models but also should possess working knowledge of concepts within the
models as well as criteria for selecting models notwithstanding the ability to explain the
relationship among the variables.
THEORETICAL MODEL 5
References
Younas, A., & Quennell, S. (2019). The usefulness of nursing theory‐guided practice: an
integrative review. Scandinavian journal of caring sciences, 33(3), 540-555.
Smith, L. (2017). The Relationship Among Theory, Research, and Practice. Frameworks for
Advanced Nursing Practice and Research: Philosophies, Theories, Models, and
Taxonomies, 31.
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2017). Theoretical basis for nursing. Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins.
Doyle, L., McCabe, C., Keogh, B., Brady, A., & McCann, M. (2019). An overview of the
qualitative descriptive design within nursing research. Journal of Research in Nursing,
1744987119880234.
Narayan, D. (2018). Unit-8 Conceptual Framework And Methodological Challenges. IGNOU.