Question

1. Compare and contrast a theory, conceptual framework, and model. How might these three ways of thinking abstractly fit together?

2. How is a road map like a framework or model?

3. You are having coffee with a fellow student or colleague who thinks that theory, frameworks, and models are a waste of time and have nothing to do with practical nursing care. How might you argue that they can help you in daily nursing practice?

4. Can you imagine different situations or contexts in which one model may fit better and another in which you might adapt another model? Explain.

Answer 1

A theory refers to an assumption of ideas related to something. It could be an idea of how a process is going such as theory about the formation of the universe. It is based on the basic principles that are known.

A conceptual framework refers to a tool that is used to analyze the context and variations. It makes distinctions between the thing which could help in understanding many related things distinctly.

A model refers to the representation of a real idea or procedure or a system. A model depicts a procedure or a concept.

A theory differs from the conceptual framework and model as it is an assumption of a phenomenon that is unknown. It could not be accepted unless it is proved using known proven principles. A conceptual framework is a tool of understanding a complex object, while a model is depiction of procedures or concepts that are proven and can be implemented.