Testing Orem's theory with Mexican Americans

To examine an ethnographic study using evaluation criteria for theory-testing through verification of personal experience.

Ten theory-verification criteria developed by Silva and Sorrel (1992) for inductive methods of inquiry.

A 1995 ethnographic study conducted with Mexican Americans and conceptualized within Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory of Nursing. Twenty Mexican American key informants were from 13 families. Primary data sources were focused observations and a series of ethnographic interviews. The study, purposes, methods, selected findings, confirmability and credibility of study findings, and relevance to Orem's theory are presented in the context of each criterion.

The purpose, design, analysis, and examination of results of the 1995 study sufficiently meet the 10 formative criteria. Because this study can be considered an example of theory verification research, findings are relevant to the development of Orem's theory.

Through the use of theory-verification criteria, inductive methods of research can be used to test or verify theory. The testing of nursing theory with diverse populations is an important direction for continued theory development. Use of evaluation criteria can serve as a template for inclusion of diverse perspectives.