arbitrary," "troublesome," "vacuous," and even "wrong," Walker & Avant's method can be a useful method of communicating concepts and developing theories (Risjord, 2008). At the very least, a concept analysis can provide some clarity on a complex issue in the nursing realm. As Walker & Avant (2005) put it, concepts are "the building blocks of theory" (p. 26). For example, Virginia Henderson's Theory of 14 Basic Needs is rather complex and benefits thoroughly from a Walker & Avant-style concept analysis.

Walker & Avant (2005) present eight key steps in a concept analysis. These steps include the following:

Determine the aims of the concept.

Identify all uses of the concept possible.

Determine the defining attributes.

Identify model case.

Identify borderline, related, contrary, invented, and illegitimate cases.

Identify antecedents and consequences.

Define empirical referents.

Concept Analysis of Henderson's 14 Basic Needs

Determine the aims of the concept.

The aims of Henderson's 14...
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