The document discusses the importance of concepts in the development of nursing theories, emphasizing their role in describing, explaining, predicting, or prescribing practices. It highlights the need for concepts to be defined and refined through an iterative process to effectively articulate 'reality' and enhance nursing practice. Ultimately, the relationship between these concepts is crucial for effective theory application in nursing.

1. Components of Theory
As with research, concepts play a critical role in theory
development.
Consider for a moment the purpose of theory and its
application to nursing practice. At the heart of any theory—
which seeks to describe, explain, predict, or prescribe—lies the
concept or concepts to be explored or addressed. Within the
iterative process of theory development, concepts must be
defined and refined as the relationships between them are
identified in order to articulate “ reality” and inform effective
practice.