s placed in the methodology section after a discussion of the nature of the sample. The framework itself, however, is excellent in that it does provide some understanding of how the variables of degree of functional independence, perceived physical and psychological health, morale and related to stress when nursing home residents are required to relocate. It also provides a strong conceptual definition of the "appraisal of relocation" (residents' estimates of the type and scope of meaning relocating has for them) and also discusses several different kinds of appraisals, all set in a theory which allows for the derivation of predictions. This allows the reader to understand the direct connection between theory and the formulated hypotheses.
Neither the reviewed research or the theory cites any secondary sources (interpretation or analysis by one author of other another's research or writings). For example, when Gass et. al (1992) cite the theoretical work of Lazarus and Folkman (1984) and their stress-appraisal-coping model, they cite only their work and words on the model and do not bring in sources that discuss Lazarus and Folkman's theoretical work or their research findings.
The operational definitions of the variables are not provided in the literature review section. Rather, they are spelled out in detail in the methodology section. Before providing these operational definitions it is important to point out that this study is descriptive research which is to say that it tests for relationships between existing or naturally occurring variables (see: Best & Kahn, 2002). In other words, Gass et. al's (1992) study does not manipulate any of the variables examined, and when variables are not manipulated, it is not appropriate to refer to them using the "independent" and "dependent" variable terminology (Best & Kahn, 2002).
Regarding operational definitions, relocation appraisal is operationally defined in terms of subjects...