Discussion questions - Essay Example

Discussion Questions Affiliation: DQ A concept refers to the ion of ideasor phenomena in such a way that the general result of the concept is not concrete and therefore depends on other explaining factors to bring out the core meaning of the concept. In this regard, concepts classify different phenomena depending on the context within which they are considered. A theory on the other hand presents particular phenomena in a systematic way, by defining and inter-relating the underlying principles in an effort to relate all variables that define the phenomena.

Therefore, while a concept is an abstraction of phenomena, a theory consolidates all the variables that define the phenomena and outline the characteristic relationship between or among the variables. The above concept-theory aspects show that concepts and theories are intertwined. In other words, theories are built on concepts. Concepts lay the foundation upon which theories are developed. Concepts introduce the idea or phenomena in question but do not develop any variables or principles contained therein.

With this foundation, theories capture the variables, principles and interests contained in the concepts and interrelates them prior to the development of the desired theory. When the principles and variables to the concepts are defined and their characteristic relationship outlined, then a theory is developed. That is to say, theories are basically formed from concepts (Walker & Avant, 2011). The link between concepts and theories is therefore seen through the interdependence of each one of them to the other.

A concept is not a theory, and on the other hand a theory results form a concept. This complementarity is the link between concepts and theories. DQ 2Theories are tested through formulation, evaluation and assessment of hypotheses. A hypothesis is a statement that argues for or against a phenomenon. The interest is to test and ascertain which phenomenon is most appropriate and applicable to the theory being tested. In other words, null and alternative hypotheses are stated in the context of the theory being tested.

It is important to highlight that theories are tested to confirm or refute them. If proven true, theories are upheld. On the other hand, when proven false, they are refuted. Theory testing focuses on the variables that define the theory. The concepts that make up the theory are highlighted and the relationship between and among all the variables determined. In order to do this, the fact that the theory being tested is formulated from concepts is upheld. Data and information is gathered in relation to all the variables contained in the theory.

The data and information is evaluated and assessed for applicability prior to the claims of a theory. Theories are not practical and they are therefore mere claims, which may be true, or false (Walker & Avant, 2011). Testing therefore allows for experimentation in a bid to make an inference about the theory. Over and above this, the testing pursuit entails the use of a framework that acts as a guide to ensure that all necessary steps are followed so that the results obtained are optimal or almost optimal in relation to the theory being tested.

In a nutshell, theories are tested with regard to the underlying concepts and the theoretical applicability of their claims. ReferenceWalker, L. & Avant, K. (2011). Strategies for theory construction in nursing (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall.