How Could Nurse Researchers Apply Theory to Generate Knowledge More Efficiently?

Background: Reports of nursing research often do not provide adequate information about whether, and how, researchers applied theory when conducting their studies. Unfortunately, the lack of adequate application and explication of theory in research impedes development of knowledge to guide nursing practice.

Objectives: To clarify and exemplify how to apply theory in research.

Methods: First we describe how researchers can apply theory in phases of research. Then we share examples of how three research teams applied one theory to these phases of research in three different studies of preventive behaviors.

Conclusions: Nurse researchers can review and refine ways in which they apply theory in guiding research and writing publications. Scholars can appreciate how one theory can guide researchers in building knowledge about a given condition such as preventive behaviors. Clinicians and researchers can collaborate to apply and examine the usefulness of theory.

Clinical Relevance: If nurses had improved understanding of theory-guided research, they could better assess, select, and apply theory-guided interventions in their practices.