Question

What philosophic views or paradigms best characterize your beliefs and approaches in nursing research and practice?

Subject: Nursing Theories

Answer 1

The philosophic views or paradigms that characterize one's beliefs and approaches in nursing research and practice are :

1. Empiricism Paradigm
2. Interpretive Paradigm
3. Critical Paradigm
4. Pragmatism

Each of these paradigms makes an equally valid impact on nursing practice and research shaping the profession and discipline of nursing.

Empiricism Paradigm

The Empiricism Paradigm is rooted in the assumption that there is one reality, which can be verified through the senses. It contributes to nursing research as it facilitates the development and testing of hypothesis comparison of interventions .

Research methodologies used in Empiricism Paradigm include experiments, surveys and evaluation of secondary source date.

Interpretive Paradigm

It examines a phenomenon through the eyes of people that live it. It contributes greatly to holistic nursing.Also, values the aesthetic, personal and ethical ways of knowing which are the integral parts of nursing knowledge.

Research in Interpretive Paradigm may help to uncover new information about an individual's experience, which needs to have application benefit to the nursing discipline.

Common research methods used in this paradigm include interviews, observations, sustained contact with participants.

Critical Paradigm

Critical Paradigm focuses on struggles, domination and institutions with the intent to bring an egalitarian society.

The elimination of oppression is the main goal of this paradigm. This is done through advocacy.

Advocacy is a key understanding of the nursing profession and stems from understanding of a client's circumstances and the impact of the same.

Research within Critical Paradigm focuses on creating a change.

Pragmatism

Pragmatism is also an important philosophical consideration.

It allows for the careful selection of appropriate paradigms and theories for nursing practice enabling the nurses to provide maximal effective care.