Value Of Concept Analysis

Per McEwen and Wills (2011), a concept is a word or term, developed by the impression of the human mind, based on their environment, to understand elements or components of specific phenomena. Concepts are the basic building blocks in construction of theories. To be described, explained, or predicted by all, concepts must be structurally and functionally sound. The purpose of a concept analysis is to examine the structure and function of a selected concept and clarify overused or vague concepts so that everyone that uses the concept will be speaking of the same idea. There are several methods to concept analysis available, however this paper will focus on the use of Walker and Avant’s 8 step method (Walker & Avant, 2011).

Concept Selection

Empirical referents can be defined as instances of genuine phenomena that demonstrate the occurrence of the concept and can be used to measure the defining attributes (Walker and Avant, 2011). In the concept simulation, the defining attributes and empirical referents are identical as shown by the concept analysis (Bland et al., 2011). Identification of empirical referents are important in the development of concept measurement instruments as they prove content and construct validity (Walker and Avant, 2011).

Values of

Walker and Avant was used by Bland et al., (2011) as a guide to analyze simulation as a learning tool for undergraduate nursing education. This concept is not final and will need further completion of research to help cultivate a more in-depth definition that is conceptually and operationally defined. Defining attributes and concept definitions will most likely change with advanced research and further concept analysis. Research will provide the ability for further antecedent and consequence development. With a more definitive definition of simulation, measurement tools can be developed and nursing language enhanced to include more global terms. With increased knowledge on what simulation is and what it means, the nursing science and nursing education practice will continue to advance