The concept of theme as used in qualitative nursing research

被引:432
作者
DeSantis, L [1 ]
Ugarriza, DN [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Miami, Sch Nursing, Coral Gables, FL 33124 USA
关键词
D O I
10.1177/019394590002200308
中图分类号
R47 [护理学];
学科分类号
1011 ;
摘要
The concept of theme is critical to the accurate interpretation of qualitative data. A literature review of qualitative research methodology and nursing research studies reveals considerable diversity in the identification of themes, the interpretation of the concept, and its function in data analysis. Part of the problem is the transfer of research methods from other disciplines to the study of nursing phenomena. The transfer often results in a blending of distinct research methods that compromises methodological rigor in data analysis and theory generation. A definition of theme is developed from the literature review and interdisciplinary definitions and descriptions. Five aspects of a theme and criteria foundational to the definition and concept of theme are identified. Implications of the concept of theme are presented for the conduct and application of research findings to the practice and development of nursing science.
引用
收藏
页码:351 / 372
页数:22
相关论文
共 70 条
[61]  
Stringer E.T., 1996, Action research: A handbook for practitioners
[62]  
Ui, 1991, ETHNOGRAPHY UNBOUND
[63]  
VANWILLIGEN J, 1986, APPL ANTHR INTRO
[64]  
Werner O., 1987, Systematic Fieldwork: Foundations of Ethnography Volume 1, VI
[65]  
Werner O, 1987, SYSTEMATIC FIELDWORK
[66]  
Whyte W.F., 1991, PARTICIPATORY ACTION
[67]  
Wilson H.S., 1993, INTRO RES NURSING
[68]  
Wolcott H.F., 1995, The art of fieldwork
[69]  
WOLF A, 1996, ANTHR CONTRIBUTIONS
[70]   Long-term care nurses' ethical convictions about tube feeding [J].
Wurzbach, ME .
WESTERN JOURNAL OF NURSING RESEARCH, 1996, 18 (01) :63-76