The chapters in this book highlight the multifaceted nature of the process of scientific research.

The world is complex, but acknowledging its complexity requires an appreciation for the many roles context plays in shaping natural phenomena. In _Unsimple Truths, _Sandra Mitchell argues that the long-standing scientific and philosophical deference to reductive explanations founded on simple universal laws, linear causal models, and predict-and-act strategies fails to accommodate the kinds of knowledge that many contemporary sciences are providing about the world. She advocates, instead, for a new understanding that represents the rich, variegated, interdependent fabric of many levels (...) and kinds of explanation that are integrated with one another to ground effective prediction and action. Mitchell draws from diverse fields including psychiatry, social insect biology, and studies of climate change to defend “integrative pluralism”—a theory of scientific practices that makes sense of how many natural and social sciences represent the multi-level, multi-component, dynamic structures they study. She explains how we must, in light of the now-acknowledged complexity and contingency of biological and social systems, revise how we conceptualize the world, how we investigate the world, and how we act in the world. Ultimately _Unsimple Truths _argues that the very idea of what should count as legitimate science itself should change. (shrink)

For all masters or doctoral courses on nursing theory or related to framework development for practice or research. For beginning graduate students in nursing and related disciplines, this text offers the clearest, most useful introduction to methods of theory development. It places nursing theory development in context, with a rich historical view that traces the field from its from its mid-20th century beginnings through contemporary and emerging issues. Present-day coverage includes both domain- and population-focused theories designed to specifically address the (...) needs of clients served by nurses. Important additions in this edition include short reflections and critical thinking projects, as well as a new chapter on using knowledge development and theory to inform practice. (shrink)

Hugh McKenna bridges the gap between theory and practice and demystifies much of the confusing terminology surrounding nursing theory. Includes step-by-step guidelines on how to analyse concepts and select, apply and test theories in practice.

In Studying Human Behavior, Helen E. Longino enters into the complexities of human behavioral research, a domain still dominated by the age-old debate of “nature versus nurture.” Rather than supporting one side or another or attempting..