Ch. 10-Middle Range Theories PP/Lecture
Introduction
-Increasing in use due to the theory lending itself to testable hypotheses and addressing specific
client populations
-Introduced in sociology in 1960s; in nsg in 1974
-Easier to operationalize than grand theories
Function
-Describe, explain, or predict phenomena
-Be explicit and testable
-Are applicable to practice
-Are used as frameworks in research studies
-Guide nsg interventions and improve nsg care
-3 functions:
a. use theoretical frameworks for research studies
b. open to use and practice; tested by research
c. scientific end product that expresses nsg knowledge
Characteristics (review table 10-1)
-Simple, straightforward, and general
-Consider limited number of variables or concepts
-Have particular substantive focus and consider limited aspect of reality
-Can be empirically tested
-Can be consolidated into more wide ranging theories
-Focus on client problems and outcomes and effects of nsg interventions
-Specific to nsg, possible specific age range, proposed outcome
Concepts/Relationships
-2 or more concepts and specified relationship between the concepts
-Concepts (phenomena) are toward middle of continuum of scope of metaparadigm concepts
previously reviewed (nsg, health, environment, person) to specific concrete actions/events (med
admin, preop teaching, fall prevention)
-Applicable across multiple settings for different clients and different problems
*Ex: theories about health promotion, self care, coping
-Linked in relationship statements; explicit and need directional and several types
a. Causal relationship: most common; as one variable/concept changes there is a
change in value of another variable/concept
-Categorized as high, middle-middle, and low-middlebased on level of abstraction or degree
of specificity
a. High middle: broad abstract concepts; ex: adaptation or culture
b. Middle: theoretically defined specific constructs; ex: uncertainty in illness
c. Low middle: more defined and specific; ex: acute pain mgmt.
Development of Middle Range Theories
Introduction
-Increasing in use due to the theory lending itself to testable hypotheses and addressing specific
client populations
-Introduced in sociology in 1960s; in nsg in 1974
-Easier to operationalize than grand theories
Function
-Describe, explain, or predict phenomena
-Be explicit and testable
-Are applicable to practice
-Are used as frameworks in research studies
-Guide nsg interventions and improve nsg care
-3 functions:
a. use theoretical frameworks for research studies
b. open to use and practice; tested by research
c. scientific end product that expresses nsg knowledge
Characteristics (review table 10-1)
-Simple, straightforward, and general
-Consider limited number of variables or concepts
-Have particular substantive focus and consider limited aspect of reality
-Can be empirically tested
-Can be consolidated into more wide ranging theories
-Focus on client problems and outcomes and effects of nsg interventions
-Specific to nsg, possible specific age range, proposed outcome
Concepts/Relationships
-2 or more concepts and specified relationship between the concepts
-Concepts (phenomena) are toward middle of continuum of scope of metaparadigm concepts
previously reviewed (nsg, health, environment, person) to specific concrete actions/events (med
admin, preop teaching, fall prevention)
-Applicable across multiple settings for different clients and different problems
*Ex: theories about health promotion, self care, coping
-Linked in relationship statements; explicit and need directional and several types
a. Causal relationship: most common; as one variable/concept changes there is a
change in value of another variable/concept
-Categorized as high, middle-middle, and low-middlebased on level of abstraction or degree
of specificity
a. High middle: broad abstract concepts; ex: adaptation or culture
b. Middle: theoretically defined specific constructs; ex: uncertainty in illness
c. Low middle: more defined and specific; ex: acute pain mgmt.
Development of Middle Range Theories
