UNIT II: ANALYSIS OF THEORY
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES

I. Example of theory critique: Orem Theory Critique. Review the PowerPoint presentation on Orem's Self-Care Deficit Model. The major components of the theory critique assignment you will conduct this semester are included in this presentation. Please keep in mind that the presentation lacks some of the detail you will want to include in your presentation. The student presentation example is a complete example and should serve as exemplary of the expectations for depth and breadth of analysis. 

You may consider preparing a PowerPoint presentation for your theory critique presentations. Other visual aides are acceptable as well (outline type presentation that can be converted to an html document). As you work on your theory presentations, keep in mind you will be teaching your student colleagues about this theory. Thus, you will want to teach to them, not me the instructor. Be creative!!!

II. Theory Critique Exercise

Read the Meighan et al. chapter carefully and complete the following mini-critique of the theory. This chapter is a report of a critique by these authors, thus these questions should be quite straight forward and easily obtained from the chapter. 

1. What is the purpose of the theory? What areas of concern or problems are identified by the theory?
2. Briefly describe the historical evolution of the theory as depicted in the article/chapter? (Include other theories/works that may have influenced the theorist)
3. What approach to the development of nursing knowledge does the theory exemplify? Explain whether it is induction, deduction, or retroduction.
4. List the major concepts of the theory. Are they explicitly or implicitly defined? Are the definitions theoretical or empirical? Is the author consistent in the use of the concepts and other terms throughout the theory narrative?
5. Are relational statements of the theory discussed? Is a model presented to represent the theory?
6. Identify and list explicit and implicit assumptions underlying the theory.
7. Clarity: How well did you understand the theory? Did the author clearly present the theory and its relationships?
8. How does this theory lead to nursing actions that make important differences in the client/family health status?

Complete all questions briefly and discuss during your Unit II clinical conference on October 11, 2001. Facilitator should submit responses to me by e-mail in conference log. Let me know if you have any difficulty.

08/13/2001

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