Chapter 5:

Theory Analysis and Evaluation

Definition and Purpose of Theory
Evaluation
❖ The process of systematically examining a theory
❖ Criteria vary but generally include examination of:
o Origins
o Meaning
o Logical adequacy
o Usefulness
o Generalizability
o Testability

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Theory Evaluation
❖ Purposes of theory evaluation
o Identifies a theory’s usefulness in guiding:
▪ Practice
▪ Research
▪ Education
▪ Administration
o Gives insight into relationships among concepts
o Allows the reviewer to identify strengths and
weakness of the theory

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Question #1
Tell whether the following statement is true or false:

The purpose of theory evaluation is to generate new

information from the theory.

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Answer to Question #1
False

Rationale: The purpose of theory evaluation is not to

generate new knowledge but to examine the theory origins
and the relationships of the concepts in the theory.

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Theory Evaluation—Three Phases #1
❖ Theory description
❖ Theory analysis
❖ Theory evaluation

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Theory Evaluation—Three Phases #2
❖ Theory description—initial step; works of the theorist are
reviewed to understand the theory’s:
o Structural components (assumptions, concepts,
propositions)
o Functional components (how linkages are made and
used to describe, explain, predict, or prescribe)

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Theory Evaluation—Three Phases #3
❖ Theory analysis—second step of evaluation
o Process of nonjudgmentally examining the content,
structure, and function of the theory
o Goal is to understand the theory.
o Helps determine if the theory has potential for use in
practice, research, education, or administration

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Theory Evaluation—Three Phases #4
❖ Theory evaluation—final step of the process
o Assesses the theory’s potential contribution
o Determines how well a theory serves its purpose
(describe, explain, etc.)
o Decision or action regarding use of the theory

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Theory Evaluation Methods #1
❖ Ellis (1968)—focused on characteristics of significant
theories (e.g., scope, complexity, testability, usefulness)
❖ Hardy (1974)—detailed description of criteria for theory
evaluation (e.g., meaning, empirical adequacy,
testability, contribution)

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Theory Evaluation Methods #2
❖ Duffey and Muhlenkamp (1974)—first two-phase
approach (theory analysis and theory evaluation)
❖ Barnum (1979, 1998, 2005)—differentiates internal
criticism (how theory components fit with each other)
and external criticism (how theory relates to the world)

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Theory Evaluation Methods #3
❖ Fawcett (1980, 2000)—two-phase approach
o Analysis (nonjudgmental, detailed examination)
o Evaluation (requires judgments about practical
application)
❖ Walker and Avant (1983, 2005)—Theory analysis is a
multistep process (origins, meaning, logical adequacy,
usefulness, generalizability, testability).

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Theory Evaluation Methods #4
❖ Whall (1989, 2005)
o Provides different criteria based on level of the
theory (grand, middle range, and practice theories)
o Examines basic considerations, internal
analysis/evaluation, and external analysis/evaluation
❖ Dudley-Brown (1997)—examined several issues
(accuracy, consistency, fruitfulness,
simplicity/complexity, scope, acceptability, and
sociocultural utility)

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 Question #2
Who among the following nurse scholars was the only one
to outline three separate criteria for analysis and
evaluation for the three levels of nursing theory?

A. Whall
B. Chinn
C. Fawcett
D. Kuhn

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 Answer to Question #2
A. Whall

Rationale: Whall was the only nursing scholar to outline

three different levels of evaluation for the three levels of
nursing theory.

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Summary of Evaluation Methods
❖ Most common criteria for evaluation
o Complexity/simplicity
o Scope/generality
o Conceptual definitions
o Consistency
o Contribution
o Usefulness
o Testability

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Synthesized Method for Theory Evaluation
#1
❖ Theory description
o What is the purpose (describe, explain, etc.)?
o What is the scope/level (grand, middle range)?
o What are the origins of the theory?
o What are the major concepts?
o What are the propositions?
o What are the major assumptions?
o Is the context for use described?

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Synthesized Method for Theory Evaluation
#2
❖ Theory analysis
o Are concepts theoretically and operationally
defined?
o Are statements theoretically and operationally
defined?
o Are linkages explicit?
o Is the theory logically organized?
o Is there a model or diagram? Is it helpful?
o Are components used consistently?
o Are outcomes or consequences stated or
predicted?

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Synthesized Method for Theory Evaluation
#3

❖ Theory evaluation
o Is the theory congruent with current standards?
o Is the theory congruent with nursing
interventions?
o Has the theory been tested in research? Is it
supported?

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Synthesized Method for Theory Evaluation
#4

❖ Theory evaluation—(cont.)
o Is there evidence the theory has been used in
research, education, or administration?
o Is the theory socially relevant?
o Is the theory relevant cross-culturally?
o Does the theory contribute to nursing?

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