NUR 501 Module 1 Discussion Theory, Practice, And Research
NUR 501 Module 1 Discussion Theory, Practice, And Research
Theory, practice, and research share a relationship that is important in various fields of life such as in school, medicine, and even in business. The relationship helps to create a broad understanding of how things work and how to best improve things to serve people for their well-being. The following paper seeks to explore how each of these elements affects and informs the other elements to ensure their success.
Firstly, theories attempt to explain something or a phenomenon (Stewart, Harte, & Sambrook, 2011). It provides a systematic explanation of things or phenomena that are observed and further helps in predicting outcomes. These explanations are based on empirical evidence, observation, and rational thought, and they frequently serve as a lens through which practitioners and researchers understand their findings and experiences. They therefore form a foundation for practice and research to occur. For example, in education in the field of psychology, there are several theories that different individuals come up with to explain, understand, and predict behavior. Such theories are, but are not limited to psychoanalytic theory and behaviorism theory (Borghi & Fini, 2019). These theories paved the way for a lot of people to practice psychology and a lot of research was done to support or criticize the theories.
Practice, on the other hand, is the application of knowledge from theory in a real-life setting. Practice is perfected through the use of skills and rational thoughts of an individual while still using the concepts learned in theory. It also helps to highlight the applicability of theories in real life and areas that could be improved to make the theories applicable and useful in real life. The betterment of the theories to fit into practice requires expansive research to be made. Therefore, even though a certain theory is learned and understood, different life scenarios such as dealing with a diverse group of people would require an individual to apply the theories in a way that can meet the diverse needs to achieve success (Van De Ven & Johnson, 2006).
Research involves investigation through the exploration of various concepts and innovative methods to deal with the gaps in the concepts. It involves deliberate inquiry to gain new information that could validate the existing theories or address the issues that the theories may have. There are different phases including data finding, analyzing those findings, and coming to conclusions based on the evidence gathered (Eden & Ackermann, 2018). It helps in advancing theory to ensure that it is best applicable in practice. For example in medicine, there are often clinical research studies that are conducted to find out about the effectiveness of treatments. That information helps to inform people in the medical practice and ensures the proper policies are put in place to make the practice advance.
In conclusion, there is an interrelationship between theory, practice, and research. Theory therefore guides the best practices that can be used to ensure quality work. Even as theory informs practice, in real life, practice can ensure that theories are developed or challenged. Research on the other end helps to validate theories and practices across different fields in life. Recognizing the interconnectedness between the elements helps to promote development and positive change.Top of Form
References
Borghi, A. M., & Fini, C. (2019). Theories and explanations in psychology. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00958
Eden, C., & Ackermann, F. (2018). Theory into practice, practice to theory: Action research in method development. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2018.05.061
