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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.

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dlneisha61
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8K views

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)
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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

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