Abstract
The concept of theme is critical to the accurate interpretation of qualitative data. A literature review of qualitative research methodology and nursing research studies reveals considerable diversity in the identification of themes, the interpretation of the concept, and its function in data analysis. Part of the problem is the transfer of research methods from other disciplines to the study of nursing phenomena. The transfer often results in a blending of distinct research methods that compromises methodological rigor in data analysis and theory generation. A definition of theme is developed from the literature review and interdisciplinary definitions and descriptions. Five aspects of a theme and criteria foundational to the definition and concept of theme are identified. Implications of the concept of theme are presented for the conduct and application of research findings to the practice and development of nursing science.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 351-372 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | Western Journal of Nursing Research |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| State | Published - Apr 1 2000 |
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ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nursing(all)
Cite this
The concept of theme as used in qualitative nursing research. / DeSantis, Lydia; Ugarriza, Doris.
In: Western Journal of Nursing Research, Vol. 22, No. 3, 01.04.2000, p. 351-372.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - The concept of theme as used in qualitative nursing research
AU - DeSantis, Lydia
AU - Ugarriza, Doris
PY - 2000/4/1
Y1 - 2000/4/1
N2 - The concept of theme is critical to the accurate interpretation of qualitative data. A literature review of qualitative research methodology and nursing research studies reveals considerable diversity in the identification of themes, the interpretation of the concept, and its function in data analysis. Part of the problem is the transfer of research methods from other disciplines to the study of nursing phenomena. The transfer often results in a blending of distinct research methods that compromises methodological rigor in data analysis and theory generation. A definition of theme is developed from the literature review and interdisciplinary definitions and descriptions. Five aspects of a theme and criteria foundational to the definition and concept of theme are identified. Implications of the concept of theme are presented for the conduct and application of research findings to the practice and development of nursing science.
AB - The concept of theme is critical to the accurate interpretation of qualitative data. A literature review of qualitative research methodology and nursing research studies reveals considerable diversity in the identification of themes, the interpretation of the concept, and its function in data analysis. Part of the problem is the transfer of research methods from other disciplines to the study of nursing phenomena. The transfer often results in a blending of distinct research methods that compromises methodological rigor in data analysis and theory generation. A definition of theme is developed from the literature review and interdisciplinary definitions and descriptions. Five aspects of a theme and criteria foundational to the definition and concept of theme are identified. Implications of the concept of theme are presented for the conduct and application of research findings to the practice and development of nursing science.
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0034166782&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
VL - 22
SP - 351
EP - 372
JO - Western Journal of Nursing Research
JF - Western Journal of Nursing Research
SN - 0193-9459
IS - 3
ER -