Scribd
Upload
8K views6 pages

Concepts, Constructs, Variables and Theory

Concepts represent broad, general ideas that are abstract and not directly observable, while constructs specify concepts in a way that makes them observable in the real world. Theory provides a systematic, abstract explanation of reality that structures interpretation, summarizes findings, generates hypotheses, guides research, and describes or predicts factors influencing outcomes. Variables are narrow, measurable concepts that have a dimension that can vary and are used to operationalize constructs.

Uploaded by

dlneisha61
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
8K views6 pages

Concepts, Constructs, Variables and Theory

Concepts represent broad, general ideas that are abstract and not directly observable, while constructs specify concepts in a way that makes them observable in the real world. Theory provides a systematic, abstract explanation of reality that structures interpretation, summarizes findings, generates hypotheses, guides research, and describes or predicts factors influencing outcomes. Variables are narrow, measurable concepts that have a dimension that can vary and are used to operationalize constructs.

Uploaded by

dlneisha61
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 6

Concepts, Constructs,

Variables and Theory:


A Clarification
Concepts
• Building blocks of theory
• Abstract
• Represent broad, general idea
• Not directly observable
Theory
• Systematic; abstract explanation of some
aspect of reality
• Primary goal is to provide a framework
that links research and practice and
contributes to making findings a
meaningful and generalizable
Function Theory Provides
• Structure for interpretation of findings
• Means for summarizing and explaining
observations for an isolated study
• Source to generate hypothesis
• Framework for guiding research
• Guide for selecting appropriate method
• Basis to describe, explain or predict
factors influencing nursing outcomes
Constructs
• Concepts specified in such away they are
observable in the real world
• Invented
Variables
• Concepts that are observable and
measurable
• Have a dimension that can vary
• Narrow in meaning

You might also like