Abstract, Concrete, variable, non variable concepts PDF

Preview

Summary

The nursing practice highly relies on pre-existing researches and theories. It highly focuses on the occurrences of different phenomena in the field, with different personalities....

Description

HOMEWORK 3: Q1. What are the different types of concepts? Give examples. Q2. Discuss why nursing science relies on precise development and description of concepts and phenomena related to health and nursing practice. Q3. Explain the process of concept analysis/concept development. Q4. Select one method for concept analysis and apply it in the development of a concept of interest to nurses.

1. Types of Concepts  

Abstract versus Concrete Concepts Concrete concepts- simple, directly observable empirical referents that can be seen, felt or heard. Concrete concepts are limited by time and space and are observable in reality (examples: a chair and desk, music, colors)



Abstract Concepts- Concepts that are not clearly observable directly or indirectly and must be defined in terms of observable concepts. Abstract concepts are independent of time and space and have no physical referents. Examples: Intelligence, moral, culture, art

 

Variable (Continuous) versus Nonvariable (Discrete) Concepts Variable (Continuous) Concepts-permit classification of dimension or graduation of phenomena on a continuum. It includes the quality of life, health promoting behaviors, and cultural identity. Examples: speed, distance,



Nonvariable (Discrete) Concepts- identifies categories or classes of characteristics. Discrete variables can be single variable categories that may be answered by “yes” or “no” or fits into a predefined category Examples: gender, rank, educational attainment



Theoretically versus Operationally Defined Concepts Theoretically Defined Concepts-gives meaning to a term in the context of a theory and permits any reader to assess the validity of the definition. Operationally Defined Concepts-permit the concept to be measured and allow hypotheses to be tested. Operational definitions bridges between the theory and the empirical world. Examples: Health literacy, Emotional Intelligence, Health-promoting lifestyles

2.

The nursing practice highly relies on pre-existing researches and theories. It highly focuses on the occurrences of different phenomena in the field, with different

personalities. Through the development of precise descriptions of concepts, researchers are able to bridge the gaps between the inconsistencies in the current nursing knowledge. Through it, the health care providers are able to refine and bring clarity on different concepts whenever there are difficulties and problems encountered. Henceforth, improving the quality of service to patients. It contributes to the creation of a body of knowledge that can be applied in the profession. The different concepts of practice continue to change as knowledge is continually evolving. New concepts and strategies are being introduced to the field wherein it undergoes thorough investigation and experimentation for the future use. As knowledge continually evolves, new concepts and strategies are continually being introduced to the field. Where all concepts undergo thorough investigation and refinery. The interrelation of all the concepts affect the general development of the practice. The end result determines the most appropriate strategy and method of concept development. As it a very crucial process in providing clarity and eradicates confusion. 3.

Concept analysis and concept development serves as like a check and balance tool for nurses in conducting various researches. It is a rigorous process of bringing to clarity to the definition of concepts used in the nursing science. It is defined as different attributes and characteristics inclined in the concept of the study. Through the process, nurses are able to refine misleading concepts in the theory that will be of great benefit for future uses. It is the basis for the development of theories and nursing researches where inconsistencies and errors are less likely to occur since it has undergone thorough screenings.

The process of concept analysis/concept development starts with the identification of the concept and associated terms. In this process, instances of phenomenon are collected and are reviewed and studied. Specific information is isolated from the surrounding information to have a clearer grasp of understanding the concept. It serves as an initial review to dissect the phenomena. It is then followed by the selection of an appropriate setting for data collection where the concepts are tested in descriptive studies to further develop the phenomena and the researcher is able to develop a rigorous design that is consistent to its purpose. Attributes and contextual basis of the concept are then identified where antecedents and consequences are brought to light. With the aid of different instruments that accurately reflects and defines the characteristics of the concept. Analyzing of data with regards to the concept’s characteristics is then followed to create a clear and precise basis for the formulation of the operational definition. With the identification of an exemplar of the concept, we are able to create a clear example of the context. After all of the steps in the process, we are left to identify various hypotheses and implications for further development and future nursing researches.

4. Concept synthesis is utilized when concepts require development based on observation or other forms of evidence. Researchers should be able to develop a

way to organize the information gathered from the phenomena in their own perspective or theoretical requirement. It provides an avenue for nurses to examine the phenomenon more in depth and often results to professional satisfaction and growth in the practice. The process of synthesizing different antecedents and attributes leads to the discovery of unique solutions to one problem. We are then able to apply such resolutions in improving the quality of service and the practice of nursing as well....