title: Integrating concepts for the development of qualitatively-derived theory.
abstract: The development of qualitatively-derived theory (QDT) remains a challenge for researchers wishing to retain the complexity of reality. The techniques of concept integration provide a means to link concepts according to their shared attributes and logically according to their mutual interactions, reactions, and responses. While retaining all of the advantages of qualitative induction, integrating concepts in this manner places QDT theory at the upper end of mid-range theory, or disclosive theory, to produce a theory of higher abstraction and broader scope.
authors.affiliation: International Institute for Qualitative Methodology, University Extension Center, The University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
authors.forename: Janice M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Morse
authors.forename: Judith E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hupcey
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Penrod
authors.forename: Carl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mitcham
mesh_terms: D003210:Concept Formation; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D009742:Nursing Theory