Is the Middle-Range Theory Theoretically Significant?
The criterion of significance also requires the middle-range theory to be theoretically signif- icant. That means the theory offers new insights into the experiences of people who have a certain health condition. The theoretical significance of a nursing theory typically is explained in a concise summary of “what is known, what is not known, and how the results from [the research] advance . . . knowledge” (Cowen, 2005, p. 298). In other words, the information given in the research report about theoretical significance should tell you that the research focuses on the next meaningful step in the development of a theory about people with a certain health condition. Sometimes, a researcher will write that the research was conducted because nothing was known about the research topic. Such a statement does not meet the criterion of significance because it is possible that the topic is trivial and, there- fore, the research is trivial. An example of an explanation of theoretical significance from Newman’s study of correlates of functional status of caregivers of children in body casts is given in Box 6–5.
Chapter 6 ■ Evaluation of Middle-Range Theories 77
BOX 6-4
Example of Statement of Social Significance
The number of children who are placed in body casts each year is unknown. Observations in orthopedic clinics, however, indicate that a relatively small number of children are so treated. Mothers, fathers, and others who care for children in body casts face challenges that disrupt their usual pattern of daily living (Newman, 2005, p. 416).
(In this example, although a large number of children do not have a health condition requir- ing a body cast, their caregivers face considerable challenges.)
BOX 6-5
Example of Statement of Theoretical Significance
Developmental needs of the child, specific care requirements related to the body cast, and changes in parental functional status, health, psychological feelings, and family needs comprise typical challenges that must be faced by caregivers (Newman, 1997b; Newman & Fawcett, 1995). Previous studies of functional status during normal life transitions and serious illness have revealed that alterations in performance of usual role activities are influenced by demographic, health, psychological, and family variables (Tulman & Fawcett, 1996, 2003). This pilot study extended the investigation of correlates of functional status by examining the relation of personal health and self-esteem to functional status of caregivers of children in body casts [from] birth up to 3 years of age and [from] 3 to 12 years of age. The pilot study also provided data to determine the feasibility of a large-scale study. The long-term goal of the research is to assist caregivers to attain optimal functional status while caring for children in body casts (Newman, 2005, p. 416).
(In this example, the first two sentences tell you what is already known and include citations to previous research. The remaining three sentences tell you how the study extends knowledge, why it was conducted, and the long-term goal of the research.)
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78 Part 2 ■ Evaluation of Conceptual Models and Theories
BOX 6-6
Example of Semantic Clarity of a Middle-Range Theory Concept
• Concept: Self-esteem
• Constitutive definition: Self-esteem “is defined as the caregiver’s feelings of personal worth and value” (Newman, 2005, p. 417).