Theory Development and Evaluation

Sample Answer

A theory is an assumption that attempts to explain a natural occurrence. A hypothesis, which is an unverified thought, is where it all started. After being put to the test, evaluated, and demonstrated to be dependable to explain events, a hypothesis in the scientific community will grow into a theory and become accepted (Leidl et al., 2020). If there is sufficient evidence to support it, a natural event may be explained using a scientific theory, and this hypothesis would then be regarded as genuine.

Theories are very important in the scientific community since they allow researchers to improve their level of comprehension. The scientific method involves putting a proposed explanation to the test and gathering as much information as possible about the phenomenon under investigation before concluding the theory’s viability. After collecting all of the available data, scientists next endeavor to explain their results. Additional research and analysis must be carried out before the notion may be formulated into a theory.

To develop a theory, one must first observe and concentrate their attention on occurrences stemming from their own experiences as well as tangible things. The observer’s past experiences, beliefs, and training all have an impact on the observer’s comprehension of terms and meanings, as well as presumptions and definitions, and the observer’s interpretation of phenomena (Wallner et al., 2023). It is vital to have a comprehensive understanding of the topic to put together an analysis of the theory.

Some theories may be dependent on the existence of previously confirmed concepts. This affects the way that new theories are produced since previously proven ideas are beneficial to scientists and new hypotheses by offering support. This case will refer to these well-established conceptions to provide support for its novel arguments. The academics will discuss whether or not their concept is feasible in light of the theories that already exist.

Logically speaking, if their ideas are correct, then too will their predictions be. In addition, theories may be combined, or their fundamental components can be used, to generate new points of view and provide room for more research so long as the two theories support and complement one another.

The scientific method is built on the foundational premise of objectivity as its guiding principle. The measurements, data, and conclusions that are developed in response to a hypothesis should not be given any value, nor should they be subject to any prejudice. This is the guiding concept. In addition, according to this viewpoint, the truth will always be there, regardless of who observed it, where it was seen, or when it was witnessed.

This is because the truth is timeless (Nwozichi et al., 2021). For a novel theory to be validated, it must first be created by researchers, and then it must be examined by a panel of experts who consider it from every conceivable perspective. To properly evaluate a hypothesis, the most fundamental criteria are its testability and its ability to be falsified. A theory has to be able to stand up to scrutiny. The scientific community thinks that theories can never be shown; at most, they can be validated.

There is only proof, but this does not invalidate the hypothesis since there is evidence to support it. Verifying a hypothesis is challenging for several reasons, including the fact that there are problems with the significance, reliability, measurement, and identification of the variables. Generally, continuous assessment is required to construct a theory.

References

• Leidl, D. M., Ritchie, L., & Moslemi, N. (2020). Blended learning in undergraduate nursing education – A scoping review. Nurse Education Today, 86, 104318. https //doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2019.104318
• Nwozichi, C., Olorunfemi, O., & Madu, A. (2021). Exploring issues in theory development in nursing Insights from literature. Indian Journal of Continuing Nursing Education, 22(1), 3. https //doi.org/10.4103/ijcn.ijcn_100_20
• Wallner, M., Mayer, H., Adlbrecht, L., Hoffmann, A. L., Fahsold, A., Holle, B., Zeller, A., & Palm, R. (2023). Theory-based evaluation and program theories in nursing A discussion on the occasion of the updated Medical Research Council (MRC) Framework. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 140, 104451. https //doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104451