REFLECTIONS ON THEORY DEVELOPMENT

What is a theory?

There are a multitude of definitions of a theory, however, the following definitions of a

theory are what struck me the most, to wit:

According to Abend (2008), a theory is formulated to explain, predict, and understand

phenomena and, in many cases, to challenge and extend existing knowledge within the limits of
critical bounding assumptions.

Theories are explanations of a natural or social behavior, event, or phenomenon. More

formally, a scientific theory is a system of constructs (concepts) and propositions (relationships
between those constructs) that collectively presents a logical, systematic, and coherent
explanation of a phenomenon of interest within some assumptions and boundary conditions
(Bacharach, 1989).

As extracted from http://faculty.jou.ufl.edu/mleslie/spring96/theory.html, a

theory explains how some aspect of human behavior or performance is organized. It thus enables
us to make predictions about that behavior. The components of theory are concepts (ideally well
defined) and principles. A concept is a symbolic representation of an actual thing - tree, chair,
table, computer, distance, etc. Construct is the word for concepts with no physical referent -
democracy, learning, freedom, etc. Language enables conceptualization. A principle expresses
the relationship between two or more concepts or constructs. Concepts and principles serve two
important functions: (a) they help us to understand or explain what is going on around us and (b)
they help us predict future events (Can be causal or correlational). A theory is a related set of
concepts and principles about a phenomenon and the purpose of which is to explain or predict
the phenomenon.

Also according to Moore (1991) a theory is the summary and synthesis of what is known
about a field. It is the reduction of our knowledge to the basic ideas, presented in a way that
shows their underlying patterns and relationships.

What is the significance of theories in health care management?

In the study made by Alderson (1998), it was mentioned that theories are at the heart of
practice, planning, and research. All thinking involves theories. Theories powerfully influence
how evidence is collected, analysed, understood, and used, it is practical and scientific to
examine them. Hypotheses are explicit, but when theories are implicit their power to clarify or to
confuse, and to reveal or obscure new insights, can work unnoticed. Theories are integral to
healthcare practice, promotion, and research. The choice of theory, although often
unacknowledged, shapes the way practitioners and researchers collect and interpret evidence.
Theories range from explicit hypotheses to working models and frameworks of thinking about
reality. It is important, scientifically and practically, to recognise implicit theories: they
powerfully influence understandings of health care. 
 In application to healthcare, the use of a theory allows healthcare to evolve in
consonance with the change of times. Theory and research are great companions. The theory
can be tested through research. Just like in healthcare, through the use of theories more and
more healthcare interventions are enhanced to align with the technological advancements.
Through research, the theory can prove that an intervention is already obsolete and may become
detrimental to clients that modifications or a development of a new intervention is necessary.
Thus, allowing healthcare professionals to explore the usefulness and applicability of
established interventions in modern times or strengthening its use as it supports the concept on
evidence-based practice. Either way, the use of theory is beneficial to research and research on
the other hand allows the healthcare profession to benefit from it. Change is constant, and the
use of theory allows this change to happen. A theory generally brings change, no matter
profession you are in. Just like what Moore (1991) said, “the theory also helps us understand
what we do not know and, therefore, is the only guide to research. Relating to theory, it
increases its ability to solve other problems in different times and different place” (Moore,
1991).

Do you think that understanding the principles and processes of theory development will
be useful in your specific field of practice? Explain.

I concur to the idea that gaining understanding on the principles and processes of theory
development will yield positive results in my current field of practice. Theory development does
not favor a specific field or profession, its usefulness is attached to all professions. Applying
theory development in any field of practice allows development in such field. The developments
that it can bring can effect in different directions. It enhances the person’s knowledge, skills, and
even attitude. It improves procedures and processes in an organization which creates a chain
reaction to gaining unparalleled customer satisfaction. Thus, I have no doubt that becoming
cognitively prepared about the principles and processes of theory development will greatly help
my field of practice.

References:

Abend, G. (2008). The meaning of theory. Sociological Theory, 26, 173–199. Swanson, Richard
A. Theory Building in Applied Disciplines. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler
Publishers 2013.

Alderson, P. (1998). Introduction: The importance of theories in health care and research. British
Medical Journal, 317, 1007-10.

Bacharach, S. B. (1989). Organizational theories: Some criteria for evaluation. Academy of

Management Review, 14(4), 496-515.

Introduction: The importance of

theories in health
care and research. British Medical
Journal, 317:1007-10
Introduction: The importance of
theories in health
care and research. British Medical
Journal, 317:1007-10
Moore, M. (1991). Editorial: Distance education theory. American Journal of Distance
Education, 5, 1-6. Doi:10.1080/08923649109526758.

nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu (1996). What is theory? Retrieved on June 13, 2020 at

http://faculty.jou.ufl.edu/mleslie/spring96/theory.html