Concept Analysis: Search Strategies and Common Frameworks

Last week I described the definition and purpose of a concept analysis. In this post, I’ll talk about the difference between concept analysis and concept development, give you some tips on how to do a concept analysis search, and identify several theoretical frameworks to guide your concept analysis journey.

What is the Difference between a Concept Analysis and Concept Development?

Concept analysis is the first step to concept development. The common premise is that until you examine the meaning and use of a concept, you can’t proceed to develop the concept further for the purposes of theory development or research use. Investigating “what is” provides a basis for the researcher ruminate on “what ought to be” according to Barnum (1990). I realize that is an old quote, but it really portrays the ultimate purpose of concept analysis!