This assignment is designed for the student to examine the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of a concept. The student will identify a strong definition of this concept. If there is none, the student will develop one. The student will explore a concept, and then analyze that descriptive word and its use in literature. Steps from Wilson’s Concept Analysis will be used (Walker & Avant, 2019, p.170). The body should not exceed 10 pages. Follow these steps while completing the project:
Step 1: Selecting a Concept
To begin this assignment, the student must select a concept to analyze. It is important to choose a concept that is well-defined and has significant relevance in the literature. Some examples of concepts that could be explored include resilience, self-esteem, altruism, compassion, or leadership.
Step 2: Identifying Antecedents and Attributes
Once a concept has been selected, the student should identify the antecedents and attributes associated with it. Antecedents refer to the events, conditions, or circumstances that must be present for the concept to emerge. Attributes, on the other hand, are the characteristics or qualities that define the concept. For example, in the case of resilience, potential antecedents could include adversity or trauma, while attributes may include adaptability, determination, and positive coping strategies.
Step 3: Developing a Definition
If a strong definition for the concept already exists in the literature, the student should identify and use it. However, if a clear definition is lacking, the student will need to develop one. This definition should be concise, clear, and encompass all the essential aspects of the concept. It is important to note that the definition may evolve as the analysis progresses, so it should not be considered final until the analysis is complete.
Step 4: Exploring the Concept in Literature
Once a definition has been established, the student should thoroughly explore the concept in the literature. This involves conducting a systematic review of relevant scholarly articles, books, and other sources of information. The purpose of this exploration is to gain a comprehensive understanding of how the concept has been used, studied, and discussed in the literature.
Step 5: Analyzing the Concept
After gathering a sufficient amount of literature on the concept, the student should begin the analysis process. This involves examining the various definitions, theories, and perspectives presented in the literature and critically evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. The student should also identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the literature and propose possible explanations or solutions.
Step 6: Synthesizing the Findings
As the analysis progresses, the student should synthesize the findings from the literature and use them to refine and enhance the understanding of the concept. This may involve integrating different perspectives, identifying patterns or themes, or developing a theoretical framework. The goal is to develop a comprehensive and coherent understanding of the concept based on the available evidence.
Step 7: Identifying Consequences
In addition to antecedents and attributes, it is important to consider the consequences of the concept. Consequences refer to the outcomes or effects that result from the presence or absence of the concept. For example, in the context of leadership, consequences may include improved team performance, increased employee satisfaction, or organizational success. Identifying and discussing these consequences is essential for a comprehensive analysis of the concept.
In conclusion, this assignment provides an opportunity for students to engage in a thorough analysis of a chosen concept by following the steps outlined by Wilson’s Concept Analysis. By selecting a well-defined concept, identifying antecedents and attributes, developing or using a strong definition, exploring the concept in the literature, analyzing different perspectives, synthesizing findings, and identifying consequences, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of the chosen concept and its implications. Through this process, students can contribute to the existing body of knowledge and further enhance their analytical and critical thinking skills.