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Testing and verifying nursing theory by confirmatory factor analysis
Maria Kääriäinen1, Outi Kanste, Satu Elo
1Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, Finland. maria.kaariainen@oulu.fi
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|January 14, 2011
Summary
Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is a valuable method for testing established nursing theories, providing insights into concepts and their practical applications. This approach enhances the development of nursing science by validating theoretical structures.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Science
- Methodology
Background:
- Theory testing is crucial for nursing theory development and understanding concept utility in practice.
- Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is frequently used in instrument development and theory testing within nursing science.
- Limited discussion exists regarding the application of CFA specifically for nursing theory testing in research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the application of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) as a method for testing nursing theory.
- To highlight the importance of theory testing in advancing nursing science and practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of multidisciplinary methodological and research publications from 1990 to 2009.
- Discussion of the phases involved in confirmatory factor analysis for theory testing: preparation, model testing, and reporting.
Main Results:
- Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) aims to test pre-established nursing theories based on a priori hypotheses.
- The process includes data screening, model specification, estimation, evaluation, and modification.
- Results are reported using regression coefficients, squared multiple correlations, and goodness-of-fit indices.
Conclusions:
- Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) effectively tests the structure of nursing theories, including concepts derived from synthesis or analysis.
- Validated theories are essential for the progression of nursing science.
- CFA provides more accurate information on concepts and their relevance to nursing practice.
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