University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Nursing
Steps in evaluating theoriesand conceptual frameworks
(and some language to do this with)
Dr. Diane Lauver
- What is the intended purpose and focus, of the theory / framework?
- Are there assumptions or historical influences suggested by it ?
- What are the components in it?
- What components (i.e., dimensions, aspects, facets)of the domain of inquiry (DoI; i.e., phenomena of interest) are included?
- Are the components clear? To what extent would you say that the theory /framework has clarity?
- How general or specific is it?
- Would you call some of the components variables? Or propositions?
- Is this a theory or a conceptual framework? And your rationale?
- If it is a theory, then what level of theory might this be?
- Have all the components relevant to the DoI been addressed explicitly by authors, in your opinion?
- To what degree is the theory comprehensive or adequate?
- Are there components relevant to the DoI that have not been addressed explicitly by the authors?
- To what extent is it inadequate (i.e., incomplete) to explain the DoI well?
- Do you find the ideas behind, and within, the theory/ framework to be logically congruent?
- How accurately or well does the theory/ framework coincide with your understanding of the DoI?
- In other words, does the stated theory “ring true” for you”? Is it credible or valid, based on your personal or professional experience?
- Are there hypotheses that one could propose, based on this theory/framework?
- If so, how much support have researchers been able to offer for the hypotheses derived from the theory / framework?
- In other words, to what degree is there empirical support for the theory? (i.e., has it been validatedby research?)
- Is the theory/framework as concise / parsimonious as it could be?
- Given what you know (about this theory, relevant research and logical considerations)how useful/helpful do you think that this theory /framework would be in:
- Stimulating research?
- Guiding clinical practice, administration, or education?
- Does the theory have utility?
- In what context would this theory/ framework be most relevant or applicable?
- In what context would this theory/ framework not be relevant? That is, what are the boundaries of this theory/ framework?
- Summarize strengths or advantages of this theory
- Summarize limitations or drawbacks of this theory
- Propose changes in the theory /framework for improving it for a particular phenomenon, DoI or population, with rationale
818. Evaluating critiquing theory& frameworks handout