Causal modeling as a relevant approach to gerontological nursing

Causal modeling involves the development of causal hypotheses to explain a particular phenomenon and the testing of causal assertions through systematic data collection and analysis procedures. Although more research is being conducted gerontological nurse scientists have generally failed to logically develop and systematically test theories that unify, organize, and consolidate knowledge into schemes that explain, describe, and predict. Causal modeling combines theory and research, and because the interpretation of data is possible only within the context of the proposed theory, it offers an important method for advancing the science while maintaining the specificity of the practice.