Explanation in Nursing Science

Abstract

Is it possible to explain that which we do in nursing and in most human sciences? Is explanation/prediction our goal? Instead, should the goal be understanding/interpretation? Might the goal be both understanding and explanation? Is nursing, as a human science, focused on individuality or generalizability? This paper explores the current debate in relation to explanation and understanding. The traditional view of explanation is addressed as is the dichotomous view of understanding. A third view on explanation and understanding, designed by Miller (1983), is offered as a possible middle ground between the two diverse views as an approach for nursing as a human science.