concepts play a critical role in theory development.

Consider for a moment the purpose of theory and its application to nursing practice. At the heart of any theory—which seeks to describe, explain, predict, or prescribe—lies the concept or concepts to be explored or addressed. Within the iterative process of theory development, concepts must be defined and refined as the relationships between them are identified in order to articulate “ reality” and inform effective practice.

To prepare:
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• Reflect on the information presented Learning Resources, including Chapter 4 of Theoretical Basis for Nursing. How and why do concepts serve as the building blocks of theory?
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• Brainstorm a list of middle range theories that have been applied in nursing practice. Then, select one with which you are most familiar. If necessary, refer to Chapter 10 or 11 in the course textbook, Theoretical Basis for Nursing, for ideas. You may also conduct additional research using the Walden Library or other scholarly databases.
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• Contemplate the various conceptual components of your selected theory, including how they are defined, linked to the real world, observed, and measured.
By Day 3 post a cohesive response that addresses the following:
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• Discuss the conceptual components of your selected middle range theory as applied to nursing practice.
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• How are these components observed and measured in practice? Provide at least two specific examples.
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• Share any insights into how the theory has developed or changed based on the testing of the concepts.

Second page***
This Application Assignment, provides an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the conceptual components of a theory. Building on this week’s Discussion, you will build a concept map to express the linkages and interrelationships of the concepts in the middle range theory you have selected.

To prepare:
• Explore the various concept maps presented in Chapter 7 of The Practice of Nursing Research, as well as the Cooper and Veo articles.
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• Using the information presented in the Learning Resources as a guide, consider the linkages and interrelationships of the conceptual concepts for the theory you identified for this week’s Discussion. What relational statements could be articulated?
To complete:
• Create a concept map demonstrating the linkages and interrelationships of the theoretical concepts. Include a clear problem and purpose statement. Express relational statements linking the concepts, literally and diagrammatically. You may use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or another software application of your choice; however, if you use a product that is not part of the Microsoft Office Suite, you must be able to save it as a PDF or RTF file.
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• Include references from the literature to support your work.

References
• Course Text: Theoretical Basis for Nursing
• • Chapter 4, “Theory Development: Structuring Conceptual Relationships in Nursing”

Chapter 4 discusses theory development and examines the components of theories: concepts, theoretical statements, assumptions, and model development. In addition, the interrelationship between theory, research, and practice is examined.
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• Chapter 6, “Overview of Grand Nursing Theories”& amp; lt; br>
Chapter 6 presents an overview of grand theories and how they have influenced nursing practice and research.
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• Course Text: The Practice of Nursing Research: Appraisal, Synthesis, and Generation of Evidence
• • Review Chapter 7, “Frameworks”
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• Article: Cooper, E. (2009). Creating a culture of professional development: A milestone pathway tool for registered nurses.Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 40(11), 501–508. Retrieved from the CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.

This article describes how a culture of professional development is found to have a positive impact on nurse retention and satisfaction, creating a culture of professional development.
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• Article: Perkins, M., Jensen, P., Jaccard, J., Gollwitzer, P., Oettingen, G., Pappadopulos, E., &Hoagwood, K. (2007). Applying theory-driven approaches to understanding and modifying clinicians’ behavior: what do we know? Psychiatric Services, 58(3), 342–348. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.58.3.342
Retrieved from the ProQuest database.

This article provides an examination of theory-driven approaches for understanding a clinician’s behavior through the analysis of their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.
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• Article: Rushing, A. M. (2008). The unitary life pattern of persons experiencing serenity in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.Advances in Nursing Science, 31(3), 198–2 10. Retrieved from the Ovid Nursing Journals Full Text database.

This article discusses a research study that utilizes Newman’s grand theory as a part of its theoretical framework.
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• Article: Veo, P. (2010). Concept mapping for applying theory to nursing practice.Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 26(1), 17–22. doi: 10.1097/NND.0b013e3181cc2d6f
Retrieved from the Ovid Nursing Journals Full Text database.

This article explores the use of concept mapping as a tool used to apply theory into daily nursing practices.
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• Article: Woods, N. F., &Magyary, D. L. (2010). Translational research: Why nursing’s interdisciplinary collaboration is essential. Research & Theory for Nursing Practice, 24(1), 9–24. doi:10.1891/1541-6577.24.1.9
Retrieved from the CINAHL Plus with Full Text database.

This article focuses on the use of translation research within the nursing profession and strategies for nursing leadership to apply translation practices.
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