Which term describes a framework that connects ideas and observations?

The term that best describes a framework that connects ideas and observations is "theory." A theory is a systematic explanation of phenomena that is based on a set of principles and findings from numerous observations and experiments. It encompasses a broader range of concepts and provides a framework for understanding, predicting, and potentially controlling elements of the phenomena being studied.

Theories integrate various models and constructs and articulate the relationships between them, which can help practitioners and researchers alike to navigate complex ideas. In nursing, theories serve to guide practice, enhance the understanding of patient care, and improve health outcomes. They provide a foundation from which further hypotheses can be developed and tested.

While terms like "model," "hypothesis," and "construct" are also related to the scientific method and contributed to building knowledge, they do not encompass the comprehensive nature that a theory provides. A model simplifies and represents a phenomenon, a hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction, and a construct refers to an abstract concept used to represent specific variables within a theory. In contrast, a theory stands as a well-substantiated and interconnected framework of concepts that seeks to explain larger phenomena.