A researcher studying the grieving process and its major elements is exploring which type of theory?

The researcher exploring the grieving process and its major elements is engaging with a descriptive theory. Descriptive theories aim to provide a comprehensive overview or description of a particular phenomenon or process. In this case, the grieving process is complex and involves various emotional, psychological, and social dimensions. By employing a descriptive theory, the researcher can effectively outline these dimensions and offer insights into how individuals experience grief.

Descriptive theories are particularly valuable in fields like psychology and nursing, as they help in articulating the nuances and variations in human experiences, without imposing any specific interventions or normative judgments. This enables the researcher to gather data that reflects the reality of the grieving process, allowing for a deeper understanding of the ways in which individuals cope with loss.

Normative theories, on the other hand, focus on prescribing what should be considered normal or acceptable behavior within a given context, which may not align with the exploratory nature of the research on grief. Prescriptive theories imply a direct approach to guide action or intervention, which may not be applicable in the initial stages of understanding the grieving process. Lastly, a conceptual framework provides a structured approach to understanding complex phenomena but does not specifically characterize the grieving process as a theoretical study would. Thus, the choice of descriptive theory is well-suited for