ABSTRACT
Nursing literature in particular has called for a more scientific professional base (Kim, 1983; Reihl and Roy, 1980) while social work has conducted a drive for an adequate research base (Davies, 1974). Such an enterprise is necessarily both conceptual and empirical-hence research developments must be founded on a clear conceptual framework (Harre, 1970; Keat and Urry, 1982). This chapter will outline a framework through which theory developments by both CPNs and social workers may be examined. The development of this framework is useful in itself for individual professions by identifying core elements of these professions. However, comparative analysis of two professions can highlight still more effectively these core elements. Finally, it can provide, by identifying key elements, the base for a more empirical, research based analysis of each profession’s work.
