Theoretical Foundations

Assignment Content

Theories are made up of ideas attempting to structure thinking around a specific happening. Your readings for this week introduce the ideas of phenomena, concepts, propositions, and assumptions. This assignment is designed to help you think about those four aspects and explain the connections between each to help strengthen your understanding of the foundations and working parts of theory.

Define the following four terms in your own words, citing at least one source: phenomena, concept, preposition, and assumptions.

Review your definitions, and think of an example from your day-to-day life or your practice experience that includes each of the four ideas.

For example, falls in clinical practice is a phenomenon you encounter. The idea that dementia patients are at greater risk for falls is a related concept. The related proposition is that dementia is related to falling in some way. An underlying assumption is that patients with dementia do not intend to fall.

Explain how all four aspects of your example work together to form the basis for a testable theory.

Cite a minimum of two sources in-text and in an APA-formatted reference page or slide.

Format your assignment as one of the following:

15- to 20-slide presentation with detailed speaker notes
15- to 20-minute oral presentation with detailed speaker notes
1,050- to 1,225-word paper
Another format approved by your instructor