Testing of nursing theory: critique and philosophical expansion

The authors first critique Silva's 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 alternative 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.