Mary Cipriano Silva

From Carper's patterns of knowing to ways of being: An ontological philosophical shift in nursing

Carpers 1978 article in the premiere issue of Advances in Nursing Science encouraged nurses to consider four fundamental patterns of knowing. Through illustrations from literature and the performing arts, the authors address Carpers patterns of knowing in the context of an emerging philosophical shift. First, they critique the major strengths and limitations of the article. Next, they explore an emerging philosophical shift in nursing from Carpers epistemological focus to ontological reflections on ways of being. Finally, they discuss the significance of the emerging philosophical shift and the ways of being for the science-art of nursing.

An analysis of changing trends in philosophies of science on nursing theory development and testing

The effects of changing trends in philosophies of science on nursing theory development and testing are analyzed. Two philosophies of science—logical empiricism and historicism—are compared for four variables: (1) components of science, (2) conception of science, (3) assessment of scientific progress, and (4) goal of philosophy of science. These factors serve as the basis for assessing trends in the development and testing of nursing theory from 1964 to the present. The analysis shows a beginning philosophic shift within nursing theory from logical empiricism to historicism and addresses implications and recommendations for future nursing theory development and testing.

Research testing nursing theory: state of the art

The degree to which investigators have tested nursing theory through empirical research is analyzed. The analysis is based on 62 studies in which the nursing model of Johnson, Roy, Orem, Rogers, and/or Newman was used as a framework for the research. The analysis shows that of these 62 studies, only nine met specified evaluation criteria for the explicit testing of nursing theory. To better understand this finding, impediments and approaches to testing of nursing theory are discussed, as well as implications for nursing theory, research, and practice.

Testing of nursing theory: critique and philosophical expansion.

The authors first critique Silvas 1986 article in Advances in Nursing Science entitled “Research Testing Nursing Theory: State of the Art.‘’ They specifically focus on her evaluation criteria for the empirical testing of nursing theory and then develop evaluation criteria for three altemative approaches to theory testing in nursing. In addition, they describe how philosophy in general, and epistemology in particular, affect testing of nursing theory. Finally, they raise philosophical issues and state conclusions related to the testing of nursing theory within the discipline and practice of nursing.

Factors influencing comprehension of information for informed consent: ethical implications for nursing research

Empirical studies on comprehension of information for informed consent show that research subjects often do not understand major portions of that to which they have consented. This raises the ethical question of whether or not the consent process has accomplished its purpose--the protection of the individuals right to self-determination. This article focuses on the following factors derived from the research literature that influence comprehension of information for informed consent: the nature of information, method of presentation of information, demographic factors, and personal factors. From these factors and methodological considerations, ethical implications for nursing research are addressed.

Scientific fraud: Definitions, policies, and implications for nursing research

Scientific research typically has been founded on high ethical standards established by researchers in academia and health care research institutions. Scientific fraud, an act of deception or misrepresentation of ones own work, violates these ethical standards. It can take the form of plagiarism, falsification of data, and irresponsible authorship. Scientific fraud has been attributed to misdirected attempts to attain high levels of personal and professional success. Researchers so prone commit scientific fraud in a search for promotion, status, tenure, and the obtaining of research grants. To divert scientific fraud, three recommendations are suggested: (1) socialize prospective nurse researchers into an atmosphere where intellectual and professional integrity prevail; (2) have established nurse researchers serve as role models and mentors who can educate the neophyte researcher about the ethics of research, including scientific fraud; and (3) emphasize and reward quality in research and publications, rather than quantity.

Book Reviews : NEWMAN, M. D. (1986). Health as Expanding Consciousness. St. Louis: Mosby, 147 pp

a theoretical perspective such as the one presented is required to advance science beyond the confines of traditional ways of thinking. Because the evolution of nursing science through conceptualizing and theorizing is key to a disciplinary knowledge base, it is understandable that she cannot entirely avoid the issue in a book about concepts and theories. It is a credit to Newman that she has attempted to explicate such an abstract and the-