Concept Analysis Paper

Concept Analysis
Guidelines & Scoring Rubric
Purpose:
This assignment provides the opportunity for the student to conduct a formal concept analysis of one concept found in a nursing theory using an identified framework.

Course Outcomes
Through this assignment, the student will demonstrate the ability to:

(CO#1) Analyze theories from nursing and relevant fields with respect to their components, relationships among the components, logic of the propositions, comprehensiveness, and utility to advanced nursing. (PO1)
(CO#3) Communicate the analysis of and proposed strategies for the use of a theory in nursing practice. (PO3, 7, 10)
(CO#4) Demonstrate logical and creative thinking in the analysis and application of a theory to nursing practice. (PO4. 7)

Due Date: Sunday 11:59 PM MT at the end of Week 4

Total Points Possible: 200
Requirements:

Description of the Assignment
The purpose of this 6-8 page paper (not including the title page or reference page in the page count) is a formal concept analysis of one concept found in a nursing theory, adapting the methodology of Walker and Avant (2010, pp. 157 – 179). The book by Walker and Avant is not available electronically. This book is not needed in order to succeed with this assignment. A summary of the steps in this method is found at the end of this document.

Any nursing theory may be used to find a concept for analysis. Only one concept is analyzed.

As part of the concept analysis, a focused review of scholarly literature is conducted, using a minimum of 3(three) scholarly sources related to the selected concept. A formal literature review can be extensive in critiquing all the relevant literature about a specific topic or area of knowledge. In this assignment, that level of effort is not required. What is expected is an integrated discussion of at least three articles on the concept selected for this assignment. Themes, ideas, or facts about the concept found in the reviewed literature are presented in an organized fashion. Note: research articles about the concept are the best kind of article for a literature review.

The steps in a concept analysis include:
1. selection of a concept used in a nursing theory
2. identification of the aims or purposes of the analysis
3. a review of selected scholarly literature on the concept
4. identification of possible use of the selected concept
5. determination of defining attributes
6. identification of model cases
7. identification of alternate cases (borderline, related, contrary, invented, and illegitimate cases)
8. identification of antecedents and consequences
9. definition of empirical referents
The paper concludes with a synthesis of the student’s new knowledge about the concept. The scholarly literature is incorporated throughout the analysis.

Criteria for Content
1. Introduction includes statements on the process of concept analysis, identifies the nursing concept and nursing theory from which it was obtained, and relates the main topics of the paper. A list of possible concepts is provided below. A substantive discussion of each of the following elements is present. All elements are supported by scholarly literature
a. One aim or purpose of the analysis
b. A review of scholarly literature (minimum of three articles)
c. Two possible uses of the concept
d. Two defining attributes
e. Two model cases
f. Two of the following alternative cases: borderline, related, contrary, invented, or illegitimate
g. One antecedent and one consequence
h. Two empirical referents
2. Concluding statements present the writer’s new knowledge on the concept acquired as a result of writing the paper

Criteria for Format and Special Instructions
1. One of the textbooks required for this course may be used as one of the required references for this assignment.
2. Title page, body of paper, and reference page must be in APA format (6th edition)
3. A minimum of 3 scholarly sources on the concept are required.
4. The paper (excludes the title page and reference page) must be a minimum of 6 pages and no longer than 8 pages.
5. Ideas and information from professional sources must be cited correctly.
6. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and citations are consistent with the writing style specified in the 6th edition of the APA manual.

Walker, L. O & Avant, K. C. (2010). Strategies for theory construction in nursing (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall

Possible Concepts (These concepts are not required; students may select one of these concepts or find another concept in any nursing theory)

• Noise
• Cleanliness of environment
• Patient Assessment
• Self-care deficit
• Self-care
• Homeostasis
• Behavioral system
• Boundary lines
• Open system
• Patient Centered Care
• Empowerment
• Resources
• Caring • Adaptation
• Energy conservation
• Meaningfulness
• Modeling
• Transaction
• Activities of living
• Actual caring occasion
• Energy field
• Pain
• Pattern
• Leadership
• Engagement
• Comfort
All of these concepts were selected from grand and middle-range theories presented in the course texts.