Postan Explanation Of The Role Of Theory In Research Next ID

Postan Explanation Of The Role Of Theory In Research Next Identify A

Post an explanation of the role of theory in research. Next, identify a theory in respiratory therapy and explain its basic tenets. Then, with this theory in mind, consider your answer to the following question posed by Drs. Burkholder and Burbank in last week's reading: "What do I have to believe about the world and about human beings in order for me to accept or use this theory?" (p. 27). Finally, describe the extent to which the epistemological and ontological assumptions of your chosen theory align with the philosophical orientation that reflects your worldview.

Paper For Above instruction

Theories serve a crucial function in research by providing structured frameworks that guide inquiry, facilitate understanding, and interpret findings within specific fields of study. In research, theory functions as a lens through which phenomena are examined, allowing researchers to formulate hypotheses, design methodologies, and analyze data systematically. Theories help contextualize empirical observations, offer explanations about causal relationships, and contribute to the development of knowledge by connecting individual findings to broader conceptual schemas (Neuman, 2014). They also enable researchers to predict outcomes and assess the validity of their investigations within a coherent interpretative structure. Consequently, the role of theory extends beyond mere explanation; it shapes the research process, influences the interpretation of results, and guides future inquiry.

A prominent theory in respiratory therapy is the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change, developed by Prochaska and DiClemente. This model posits that behavior change occurs through a series of stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The fundamental tenets of this theory include recognizing that change is a process rather than an event, and individuals may progress through these stages at different rates. It emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions that correspond to the individual's current stage of change and highlights processes such as consciousness-raising, self-efficacy, and reinforcement as key mechanisms facilitating transition between stages (Prochaska, DiClemente, & Norcross, 1992). In respiratory therapy, this theory can inform strategies for encouraging patients to adopt healthier behaviors, such as smoking cessation or adherence to inhaler treatments.

Considering the theory within the context of beliefs about the world and human beings, one must believe that human behavior is modifiable and influenced by psychological and environmental factors, rather than being fixed or solely biologically determined. The theory assumes that individuals are capable of self-reflection and possess the agency to alter their behaviors if provided with appropriate motivation and support. This perspective aligns with a worldview that emphasizes human capacity for change, empowerment, and self-efficacy (Bandura, 1994). Acceptance and use of the Transtheoretical Model require the belief that behavior change is a process that can be effectively facilitated through targeted interventions tailored to individual readiness. It also presupposes that environmental and social influences significantly impact health behaviors, aligning with a biopsychosocial understanding of health and disease (Engel, 1977).

Furthermore, the epistemological assumptions of the Transtheoretical Model suggest that knowledge about an individual's current stage of change can inform effective intervention strategies, and that this knowledge can be obtained through self-report and behavioral assessment. The ontological stance is that behavior exists along a continuum and can be observed and categorized into distinct stages. These assumptions align with a constructivist epistemology, which views human behavior as understandable through subjective experiences and social contexts (Guba & Lincoln, 1994). The philosophical orientation of this theory, emphasizing empowerment and behavioral change, aligns with worldview perspectives such as humanism, which focus on individual potential, choice, and personal growth (Rogers, 1961). Overall, the theory's assumptions about human agency and knowledge acquisition resonate with an interpretivist philosophical stance that emphasizes understanding individuals within their social contexts.

References

• Bandura, A. (1994). Self-efficacy. In V. S. Ramachaudra (Ed.), Encyclopedia of human behavior (Vol. 4, pp. 71-81). New York: Academic Press.
• Engel, G. L. (1977). The need for a new medical model: A challenge for biomedicine. Science, 196(4286), 129-136.
• Guba, E. G., & Lincoln, Y. S. (1994). Competing paradigms in qualitative research. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research (pp. 105-117). Sage Publications.
• Neuman, W. L. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (7th ed.). Pearson.
• Prochaska, J. O., DiClemente, C. C., & Norcross, J. C. (1992). In search of how people change: Applications to alcoholism. American Psychologist, 47(9), 1102-1114.
• Rogers, C. R. (1961). On becoming a person: A therapist's view of psychotherapy. Houghton Mifflin.