Skip to main content
. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2008 May 5.
Published in final edited form as: J Adv Nurs. 2005 Sep;51(5):484–492. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03520.x

Table 1.

Steps in the Wilsonian method of concept analysis

Step Process
1. Isolating questions of concept Distinguish between questions of fact, values and concept
2. Finding right answers Examines the multiple uses of the concept and determines which are essential to the core concept
3. Model cases Analyst describes clear-cut case of the concept from real-life. Chosen based upon working definition of the concept. Analysis of case allows for the explication of essential elements of the concept
4. Contrary cases Analyst identifies and describes clear-cut case from real-life that does not illustrate the concept. Analysis of this case allows for identification of elements that makes it ‘not-the-concept’ (Avant, p. 55).
5. Related cases Analyst identifies and describes case from real-life that is similar or occurs in a similar environment. Critical analysis of case allows for explication of which elements of the concept are essential and which are non-essential
6. Borderline cases Analyst identifies and describes case from real-life which they are unsure whether or not it is an exemplar of the concept. By examining which elements of the case makes it difficult to classify, the analyst is further able to determine which are essential and which are not.
7. Invented cases Used when there are insufficient cases to clarify the essential elements of the concept. A case is developed to use the concept outside the realm of the analyst's experience to further clarify the concept's essential elements. (Not used in this concept analysis as there were clear cases for the concept of fever in the other steps)
8. Social context Analyst identifies who uses the concept, in what manner and environments in order to determine the context in which the concept is used
9. Underlying anxiety Analyst explicates the underlying feelings and discussions surrounding the concept. Identifies any controversies or debate surrounding the concept
10. Practical results Analyst identifies the results of understanding the concept's essential elements. These results should be useful for everyday practice
11. Results in language Analyst defines the concept and its' essential elements in order to identify the best meaning of the concept
HHS Vulnerability Disclosure