For this assignment you will explore, identify, and critically analyze a theory that could be used as a framework for directing the future actions you identified in the Ways of Knowing assignment.  In addition, you will professionally reflect on your critical analysis and describe how exposure to a theory may lead an individual to think differently about their own experience, professional role, and future directions of their work.  Note:  The content of this assignment could serve as draft for a discussion related to ”Theory” in Chapter 3 of the final capstone document. 

Assignment Guidelines:

To begin this assignment you will first select a theory.  The theory can be either borrowed or from the discipline of nursing.  After you select the theory, you will address each of the items below in a written scholarly paper.  The items reflect the processes involved in forming a complete description of a theory as discussed in Chapter 8 of Chinn and Kramer.

  1. Begin this assignment with an introduction. The introduction should include a discussion that provides:
  • A brief succinct overview of the professional experience and future actions discussed in the Ways of Knowing
  • A statement that explains the purpose of the assignment (e.g., The purpose of this assignment is to……).
  1. After your introduction, discuss the following content using appropriate APA level headings:
  • Description of the Theory – Provide the name of the theory. Identify if the theory is borrowed, or if from the discipline of nursing.  Then, identify the author of the theory, and the date the theory was established. Utilize primary rather than secondary resources.
  • Purpose of the Theory – Provide a descriptive summary of the purpose of the theory. In your summary specifically speak to the context and situations in which the theory is useful.  In your summary clearly identify how the purpose of this theory is linked to the future actions you identified in the Ways of Knowing
  • Concepts of the Theory – Provide a descriptive summary of the concepts (words or groups of words that represent objects, properties, and / or events) within the theory. In your summary clearly identify how the concepts are linked to the future actions you identified in the Ways of Knowing
  • Definitions in the Theory – Provide a clear definition for each concept that was identified. The definitions should be presented in conceptual terms within the context of the theory.
  • Relationships in the Theory – Provide a descriptive summary of the linkages among and between the concepts associated with the theory.
  • Structure of the Theory – Provide a clear description of the structure of the theory (choose from one of the examples on pg 195 of Chinn and Kramer). In your description clearly identify how you arrived at your conclusion.
  • Assumptions in the Theory – Provide a clear description of the assumptions associated with the theory. In your description clearly identify if the assumptions are factual assumptions or value assumptions.  Also in your description clearly speak to how the exposure to differing assumptions may open new perceptions with regards to going “outside of the box” of common practice and procedures.
  • Application to Professional Practice – Provide a descriptive summary your critical analysis findings. In your summary thoroughly discuss the application of the theory in terms of providing guidance for the future actions identified in the Ways of Knowing
  1. End your paper with a conclusion. The conclusion should present a brief summary of the key takeaway points of the paper.  The conclusion should not present any new information.

Scholarly Writing Guidelines:

  1. Grammar, spelling, and APA writing style will be graded according to doctoral level expectations. Please proofread carefully.
  2. Your paper should be double-spaced with one inch margins, and include:
    1. A title page and a reference page (Note: all in-text citations and sources listed on the reference page should be according to APA 7th edition).
    2. Times New Roman 12 pt font throughout entire document.
    3. Page numbers.
    4. A running head.
    5. APA 7th edition formatted subject level headings.