Attitude: a concept analysis.

This paper presents a concept analysis conducted as a beginning step to developing research on nurses' attitudes toward advancing formal education. A literature review, conducted by the author, confirmed that the term attitude is used prolifically in nursing research; however, the findings were inconclusive as to a definition and the attributes of an "attitude." Often this concept was either not defined or vaguely defined. Few operational definitions, required for accurate measurement of a concept, were found. An adequate definition and understanding of a concept is required for critical reflection and utilization of the term and development of measurement procedures.