Polit and Beck indicate that every study has conceptual underpinnings--a framework. Research questions or hypotheses, operationalization of the variables, the scope and organization of the literature review, the research design and methods, and the interpretation of findings are guided and informed by the theoretical/conceptual framework. Whether the framework is explicit or implicit in a published research report depends on the author's style as well as the journal guidelines and page limitations. Understanding the conceptualization of a study is critical in evaluating the findings for utilization in practice. 

A well-developed explicit framework usually is grounded in a concept analysis. Those of you who have taken theory courses know that a concept analysis includes definitions, defining characteristics, antecedents, consequences, empirical referents (variables/measures), and cases (model, boundary, contrary, etc.). In planning a research project, the investigator's job is to bring the abstractions from the concept analysis to concrete measurable operations. Research reported about the concept is focused on specific variables, measures, and procedures, and yields specific findings that researchers use to refine and extend the theoretical/conceptual framework in new studies. Those of you who have not had theory courses will begin to recognize the elements of a concept analysis--particularly the definitions, defining characteristics, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents--in the conceptual underpinnings of research reports that you are reading.

Finding an implicit framework requires some detective work because the researcher has not pulled that information together in the text or a diagram. Start by finding the variables--dependent, independent, and extraneous. Look for operational definitions, which include the specific questionnaires, protocols, or biophysical measures used to assign numbers or attributes to the variables. Examine the information cited from other studies. Is there support for the importance of the research questions/hypotheses and for the methods chosen for the study? Are there prior research findings that facilitate interpretation of the findings.

Assignment:

Choose ONE of the following articles from the online articles: 

1. Gibbs, R.D., Movinsky, B.A., Pellegrini, J., & Vacchiano, C.A. (2002). The morphine-sparing effect of metoclopramide on postoperative laparoscopic tubal ligation in patients. AANA Journal, 70, 27-32.
2. Naylor, M.D., Brooten, D., Campbell, R., Jacobsen, B.S., Mezey, M.D., Pauly, M.V., & Schwartz, J.S. (1999). Comprehensive discharge planning and home follow-up of hospitalized elders: A randomized trial. Journal of the American Medical Association, 281, 613-620.

Describe the implicit conceptual underpinnings in the study you chose. Use your own worksheet to record the information. Draw a diagram that depicts the hypothesized associations among the concepts, and include the specific variables that represent the respective concepts. Consider the following questions: How do you view the conceptualization of the study? Are the investigators taking an inductive approach in conceptualizing a new area of inquiry, or, have they missed some important elements from the related research cited in the report that would have strengthened the study? 

Submit a brief summary of the conceptual underpinnings (< 500 words), your diagram, and a rationale for your point of view about the conceptualization of the study (2-3 sentences) as an attachment via email.