title: A case study of theory development: moral behavior in nursing.
abstract: The theoretical considerations, operationalization of the constructs, and measurement issues of an ongoing program of research designed to explain ethical practice in nursing are presented. They illustrate the constant give and take among research, the empirical world, and theory building. This case study depicts the iterative and complex process of developing constructs and relationships, based on research findings, that explain moral behavior in nursing practice.
mesh_terms: D035841:Behavioral Research; D032781:Codes of Ethics; D026689:Ethical Analysis; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D035863:Moral Development; D009014:Morals; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology; D009742:Nursing Theory