Toward an explanatory model of nursing performance

This article suggests a general substantive framework which may be used to integrate conceptually the numerous strands of research conducted in the area of nursing performance. A model which employs the variable-blocking technique discussed by Blalock is presented. Examples--in terms of the model--are given of aspects of nursing performance which have been intensively researched as well as areas which have received limited attention but hold promise. The issue of methodologies used in performance research is addressed. Three multivariate analytical techniques (factor mapping, canonical correlation, and structural equation models), which could be brought to bear on relatively complex performance data and which could prove useful for a wide range of substantive problems, are discussed.