Concept analysis: examining the state of the science

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Methodology
• Concept Analysis

Background:

• Proliferation of concept analysis methods in nursing has led to methodological confusion.
• Current analytic techniques blend concept analysis, concept development, and theory building.
• Lack of clarity impacts the utility of concept-based research.

Purpose of the Study:

• Critique existing methods of concept analysis.
• Clarify the distinction between concept analysis and concept advancement.
• Enhance the utility of concept-based research in nursing.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of conceptualization and concept-theory-truth linkages.
• Critique of traditional and emergent concept analysis methods.
• Examination of the purpose and findings of concept analysis.

Main Results:

• Concept analysis is a strategic literature review yielding the state of scientific knowledge on a concept.
• Concept advancement involves synthesizing new or deeper knowledge for the discipline.
• Methodological confusion arises from conflating these distinct processes.

Conclusions:

• Disentangling concept analysis from concept advancement is critical.
• Clearer methodological distinctions will improve concept-based research utility.
• Enhanced clarity supports the advancement of nursing science.