Theory and Nursing offers a comprehensive yet concise exploration of nursing theory and its development, providing a solid foundation for an understanding of the nature of nursing. Emphasizing the intrinsic relationships between theory and the functional aspects of research and practice, this book prepares the student not only for the study of nursing science but for the work of nursing itself. The fourth edition includes an updated discussion of the emergence of nursing theory, reflecting recent developments in midrange nursing theory. (...) This book employs a questioning approach to the concepts of nursing theory, engaging the reader to critically examine the assumptions underlying those concepts as well as to construct a personal framework of nursing knowledge. The language of this edition has been clarified to make the concepts more accessible, and the new edition employs a shift in language from the terminology of the traditional scientific method to care-based language appropriate to the science of nursing. Each definition in the glossary of terms includes page references to the text, thus aiding the reader in developing a comfortable familiarity with the terminology. Extensively revised references and bibliography provide guidance for readers as they learn to formulate and test their own theories of nursing. Updated appendices overview both the historical perspective of the major nursing theories and the current trend toward practice-based theory.end t ë0. (shrink)

- This comprehensive text holds a longstanding reputation for presenting a thorough and concise exploration of nursing theory and its development. - This new edition builds upon the 5th edition by broadening various concepts of knowledge development to include aesthetic, ethical, personal, and empirical knowledge. - The title change from Theory and Nursing: Integrated Knowledge Development to Integrated Knowledge Development in Nursing emphasizes the knowledge development theory that Chinn and Kramer have created and developed over the life of past editions. (...) Provides a solid foundation for the understanding of the development of nursing theory and its links with research. Includes a special full-color insert at the front of the book that diagrams the underlying structure of knowledge development and its various manifestations as discussed by the authors. Comprehensive discussion of theory, theory development, and the relationship of theory to nursing research and practice is presented in an organized, clearly explained format throughout the text. Provides summary overview of the works of several major nursing theorists. Appendices provide updated content on mid-range theories and valuable material on various conceptual models and frameworks in nursing. A glossary at the end of the book explains key terms and phrases. The 5th edition of the book was included on the Brandon-Hill list. Information on socio-political knowing incorporated into Chapter 1, which discusses and expands its focus on the importance of larger context to knowledge development. Also includes new content on situation-specific theory and critical theory as it relates to the knowing patterns. Updated information on theory development including postmodern influences, critical multiplism, and blending will connect historical sections to newer trends in Chapter 2. Content on pattern integration and patterns through teaching strategies will be in Chapters 7, 8, and 9. Student Resources provided through the Evolve Learning System. Resources planned for Integrated Knowledge Development in Nursing include 5 open-ended questions per chapter, up to date Weblinks on important topics related to the textual material, an animated flashcard-format glossary, and a crossword puzzle incorporating content from the entire book. All of these activities will maximize the instructional value of students' learning experience without requiring additional texts or materials. The convenience and accessibility of online resources ultimately allow both the instructor and student to engage in a more active learning process. (shrink)

For all masters or doctoral courses on nursing theory or related to framework development for practice or research. For beginning graduate students in nursing and related disciplines, this text offers the clearest, most useful introduction to methods of theory development. It places nursing theory development in context, with a rich historical view that traces the field from its from its mid-20th century beginnings through contemporary and emerging issues. Present-day coverage includes both domain- and population-focused theories designed to specifically address the (...) needs of clients served by nurses. Important additions in this edition include short reflections and critical thinking projects, as well as a new chapter on using knowledge development and theory to inform practice. (shrink)

Why is science so credible? Usual answers center on scientists' objective methods or their powerful instruments. In his new book, Thomas Gieryn argues that a better explanation for the cultural authority of science lies downstream, when scientific claims leave laboratories and enter courtrooms, boardrooms, and living rooms. On such occasions, we use "maps" to decide who to believe—cultural maps demarcating "science" from pseudoscience, ideology, faith, or nonsense. Gieryn looks at episodes of boundary-work: Was phrenology good science? How about cold fusion? (...) Is social science really scientific? Is organic farming? After centuries of disputes like these, Gieryn finds no stable criteria that absolutely distinguish science from non-science. Science remains a pliable cultural space, flexibly reshaped to claim credibility for some beliefs while denying it to others. In a timely epilogue, Gieryn finds this same controversy at the heart of the raging "science wars.". (shrink)

This text presents state-of-the-art methods for developing concepts appropriate for nursing. It offers a wide array of approaches to concept development, ranging from the classic to the cutting-edge in a manner that balances philosophical foundations with techniques and practical examples.

The demarcation of science from other intellectual activities-long an analytic problem for philosophers and sociologists-is here examined as a practical problem for scientists. Construction of a boundary between science and varieties of non-science is useful for scientists' pursuit of professional goals: acquisition of intellectual authority and career opportunities; denial of these resources to "pseudoscientists"; and protection of the autonomy of scientific research from political interference. "Boundary-work" describes an ideological style found in scientists' attempts to create a public image for science (...) by contrasting it favorably to non-scientific intellectual or technical activities. Alternative sets of characteristics available for ideological attribution to science reflect ambivalences or strains within the institution: science can be made to look empirical or theoretical, pure or applied. However, selection of one or another description depends on which characteristics best achieve the demarcation in a way that justifies scientists' claims to authority or resources. Thus, "science" is no single thing: its boundaries are drawn and redrawn inflexible, historically changing and sometimes ambiguous ways. (shrink)