Question

What is the difference between high-, middle-, and low-range theories? Explain your understanding of a middle-range nursing theory. Identify a research study in which a middle-range theory was applied. Discuss the study results and implications for practice.

Answer 1

Middle range theory target specific phenomena or concepts such as pain and stress,they are limited in scope yet general enough to encourage reasearch.It deals with concrete and relatively operational concepts and amenable to imperical testing.These theories are highly specific to nursing.These theories theories are relatively simple to understand and apply.It may be categorized as high, middle and low middle range theories.High middle range theories include broad,fairly abstract concepts like caring,adaptation,culture.Middle range theories generally consists of theoritically defined fairly specific constructs like uncertainty in illness,unpleasant symptoms,chronic sorrow.Low middle range theories are more defined and specific like womens anger,acute pain management and intervention for postsurgical pain.

Characteristics of middle range theories:

• Its concepts and propositions are specific to nursing.
• It is readily operationalised
• It can be applied to many situations,propositions range from casual to associative depending on their association and assumptions that fit the theory.
• It should be relevant for potential users of the theory like nurses and it should be oriented to outcomes that are imporatant for patients not merely describe that nurses do.