and qualitative methods may be useful for advanc-
ing Rogerian science. Similarly, Barrett (1996),
Barrett and Caroselli (1998), Barrett, Cowling,
Carboni, and Butcher (1997), Cowling (1986),
Smith & Reeder (1996), and Rawnsley (1994) have
all advocated for the appropriateness of multiple
methods in Rogerian research. Conversely, Butcher
(cited in Barrett et al., 1997), Butcher (1994), and
Carboni (1995b) have argued that the ontological
and epistemological assumptions of causality, re-
ductionism, particularism, control, prediction, and
linearity of quantitative methodologies are incon-
sistent with Rogers’ unitary ontology and participa-
tory epistemology. Later, Fawcett (1996) also
questioned the congruency between the ontology
and epistemology of Rogerian science and the as-
sumptions embedded in quantitative research de-
signs; like Carboni (1995) and Butcher (1994), she
concluded that interpretive/qualitative methods
may be more congruent with Rogers’ ontology and
epistemology.
This chapter presents an inclusive view of
methodologies. Nevertheless, the researcher needs
to present an argument as to how the design of the
study and interpretations of results are congruent
with Rogers’ postulates and principles. Further-
more, nurses interested in engaging in Rogerian
research are encouraged to use, test, and refine the
developed research methods and tools that are con-
sistent with the ontology and epistemology of the
science of unitary human beings.
CRITERIA FOR ROGERIAN INQUIRY
The criteria for developing Rogerian research
methods presented in this chapter are a synthesis
and modification of the Criteria of Rogerian
Inquiry developed by Butcher (1994) and the
Characteristics of Operational Rogerian Inquiry
developed by Carboni (1995b). The criteria may be
a useful guide in designing research investigations
guided by the Science of Unitary Human Beings.
1.A priori nursing science:All research flows from a
theoretical perspective. Every step of the inquiry,
including the type of questions asked, the con-
ceptualization of phenomena of concern, choice
of research design, selection of participants, se-
lection of instruments, and interpretation of
findings is guided by the science of unitary
human beings. The researcher explicitly identi-
fies the science of unitary human beings as the
conceptual orientation of the study. Nursing re-
search must be grounded in a theoretical per-
spective unique to nursing in order for the
research to contribute to the advance of nursing
science.
2.Creation:The Rogerian research endeavor is a
creative and imaginative process for discovering
new insights and knowledge concerning unitary
human beings in mutual process with their en-
vironment.
3.Irreducible human/environmental energy fields
are the focus of Rogerian inquiry:Energy fields
are postulated to constitute the fundamental
unit of the living and nonliving. Both human
beings and the environment are understood as
dynamic energy fields that cannot be reduced to
parts.
4.Pattern manifestations are indicators of change:
Pattern is the distinguishing characteristic of an
energy field and gives identity to the field.
Pattern manifestations are the source of infor-
mation emerging from the human/environmen-
tal mutual field process and are the only valid
reflections of the energy field. The phenomenon
of concern in Rogerian inquiry is conceptualized
and understood as manifestations of human/
environmental energy mutual process.
5.Pandimensional awareness:Rogerian inquiry
recognizes the pandimensional nature of reality.
All forms of awareness are relevant in a pandi-
mensional universe. Thus, intuition, both tacit
and mystical, and all forms of sensory knowing
are relevant ways of apprehending manifesta-
tions of patterning.
6.Human instrument is used for pattern knowing
and appreciation:The researchers use themselves
as the primary pattern-apprehending instru-
ment. The human instrument is the only instru-
ment sensitive to, and which has the ability to
interpret and understand, pandimensional po-
tentialities in human/environmental field pat-
terning. Pattern manifestation knowing and
appreciation is the process of apprehending in-
formation or manifestations of patterning
emerging from the human/environmental field
mutual process. The process of pattern knowing
and appreciation is the same in the research en-
deavor as described earlier in the Rogerian prac-
tice methodology.
7.Both quantitative and qualitative methods are176 SECTION III Nursing Theory in Nursing Practice, Education, Research, and Administration