A Conceptualization of Concept

Authors

  • Constance H. Becker

Abstract

One of the prominent concerns of contemporary professional nursing is with the state of nursing theory. This concern runs the gamut: Does nursing theory exist? Can nursing develop a theory base? Where, and how, should nursing theory or theories develop? Each of these aspects of concern has its proponents and opponents. A very basic aspect of the concern over nursing theory, however, should be a concern with concepts used in basic nursing research. The concern should focus on such aspects of concepts as to how they are developed and defined, and implicitly, why such a concern with concepts is necessary. In order to understand something, for example, a concept, it is necessary that the "something" be taken apart and analyzed; thereby gaining a greater understanding of its place in the schema of other things. Unfortunately, the term concept has such a familiar sound to it that it is generally taken for granted; each and every user of the term fully comprehends the philosophic and scientific meanings of the term. In reality, however, what is comprehended by many users of the term is only a very loose meaning (Torres, 1980). Such a loose comprehension of the meaning of the terms is inadequate for the continued development of nursing theory. It is necessary to realize that if the concepts used are loose the potential contribution of the concepts to theory will be lost.

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Published

1983-04-13

Issue

Section

Articles