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Attitude: a concept analysis
1Division of Nursing, Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA, USA. altmannt@csus.edu
Nursing Forum
|August 22, 2008
Summary
This study clarifies the concept of "attitude" in nursing research, highlighting the need for clear definitions to guide future studies on nurses' educational advancement. Better definitions are crucial for accurate research and understanding.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Research
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- The concept of 'attitude' is frequently used in nursing research.
- Existing definitions and attributes of 'attitude' in nursing literature are often unclear or absent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a concept analysis of 'attitude' as a foundational step for research on nurses' attitudes toward advancing formal education.
- To identify the definition and attributes of 'attitude' within nursing research.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was performed to examine the use of the concept 'attitude' in nursing research.
- Concept analysis was employed to clarify the term 'attitude'.
Main Results:
- The literature review revealed inconsistent and vague definitions of 'attitude' in nursing studies.
- Few operational definitions of 'attitude' were identified, hindering accurate measurement.
Conclusions:
- A clear and operational definition of 'attitude' is essential for rigorous nursing research.
- Improved conceptual clarity is needed to advance research on nurses' attitudes toward formal education and to develop precise measurement tools.
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