This study was aimed at verifying the clarity in the organization of the social systems in the Theory of Goal Attainment. It is a theoretical-reflexive study that uses as referential for analysis a Model of Analysis of Theories. One thesis and two dissertations were analyzed in the months of April, May and June of 2005. Regarding the operational definition of the concepts, all three defined adequately the concepts pointed out in the Conceptual Model, making use of them in the situations of the studies. In what refers to the validity of content and construct there were gaps identified. In one of the studies, for example, the work groups to which the individuals belonged were not consonant with the Theory's social system concept. Thus the studies still require attention as to the use they make of concepts presented in theories or in theoretical models.
Nursing theory; Models nursing; Validation studies
