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Concept Analysis Techniques
The theme of Module 2 is Concept Analysis Techniques. I was very active in the nursing diagnosis movement in the 1980s. I sat on the review boards to determine if taxonomy submissions qualified as nursing diagnoses. Back then we were very subjective and "voted in" nursing diagnoses like a popularity contest--without solid evidence-based criteria! Well, we've come a long way today realizing that nursing diagnoses are actually a form of concept analyses.
Now concept analyses are quite commonly found in the nursing literature. Concept analyses are the early steps of the theory development process. We think we know what a concept is, but most likely it is our own definition, which may be different from others' definitions. No wonder we have difficulty communicating with other nursing professionals, let alone professionals outside of nursing!
Additionally, nurses now appreciate the need to be holistic in considering defining characteristics of all diagnoses, including biological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual dimensions. You will study and use a comprehensive format for analyzing concepts in this module. We'll also begin to consider theory analyses in this module, by beginning the Theory-Research Article Portfolio. Below are the specific points assigned to on-line assignments and the Concept Analysis Paper Part 1.
In Part 2 of the Concept Analysis Paper you will go to the natural setting to observe and inquire about the concept you are studying. This qualitative activity is a phase of the Hybrid Model and a beginning look at cultures using an ethnographic technique. By being a part of the cultural scene, you will learn the true meaning of the phenomenon (concept) you are studying.
In Module 2 you will learn about and complete*:
Theory Terminology Answers
Click here to compare your definitions of the theoretical terms you defined in Module 1. Develop a clear understanding of these terms. If you are still unclear or have questions, I have provided a box at the end to submit your questions and concerns.On-line assignments including:
- Wilsonian and Hybrid models of concept analysis (1%)
- Critique of two concept analyses (6%)
- Overview of theory analysis techniques (2%)
- Cultural theories and ethnography (1%)
Concept Analysis Paper Part 1 (15%)
Theory-Research Portfolio Articles (10%)
Also we're beginning the WebBoard Group Work, which can be accessed here, from the Calendar, & directly on the WebBoard. Co-leaders, please read the directions carefully and let me know if you have questions ASAP so your group can begin work. The first part of the project is due February 14th. Group co-leaders will receive 5% bonus for assuming leadership; if you choose not to be a co-leader, please find a replacement in your group and let me know ASAP. All details for the project are explained at WebBoard 2010 Community Health Plan.
*Please note the linked Module 2 content above is the same as found in the Course Calendar under NRSG 748.
Below I duplicated the same directions from Module 1 for completing modules:
All assignments are best accessed on the Calendar page. By accessing all assignments from the Calendar page you will stay on schedule with due dates and not miss turning in anything. On-line Assignments will be available to you on the first day of each month. If you finish assignments for a particular module before the month is over, use your time to work on your paper, readings, and WebBoard assignments. Each of the four modules for the course will be introduced on a page like this one. General instructions about the assignments for each module will appear on the Introduction page as well as the Calendar page.
Directions for Completing Modules
This course is divided into four modules. Activities should be completed sequentially through the modules as noted on the course calendar page.
Individual Learning Activities
Individual learning activities are those that you do on your own listed under NRSG 748 in the Course Calendar. Individual learning activities include all reading assignments, on-line assignments, concept analysis paper, and theory-research analysis portfolio. The way you submit individual assignments is contained within the form, usually marked with a "submit button" that looks like this: If there is no submit button, I will instruct you about how to submit your work (for example, directly to me by E-mail).Group Learning Activities
Group learning activities are those that you do with a group of other students and listed under NRSG 749 in the Course Calendar. Group learning activities include WebBoard discussions and group reports. Group leaders will be assigned discussion questions for each module and all activities will be reported on the WebBoard. You will discuss work with other group members and generate a final written report in your specified location on the WebBoard. Students in other groups will review your work, as you will review theirs. Use the group as a sounding board for project activities. Group leaders will receive bonus points for initiating and facilitating discussions and completing the written report on the WebBoard.
I LOST ALL MY WORK!?!
DO KEEP COPIES of everything just in case it gets lost! I suggest that you develop most assignments in Word and save them in your own private files separately as a backup (it takes about one time to learn this hard lesson, right?!). After each module, I will be get in touch with you if I do not have all of the required work.
Sue Popkess-Vawter, University of Kansas Medical Center, School of Nursing, January, 2002
