Is Humanistic Nursing Theory a middle range theory?
I sometimes ask myself, Are these designations; grand theory, mid-range-theory, and meta-theory just inconsequential ramblings about theoretical processes that have no relevance to nursing and no place in theory development in general. These terms were introduced in Sociology in the discussion of abstract versus empirical analysis of social systems (see C. Wright Mills, The Sociological Imagination). the term grand theory is usually used in a pejorative way to refer to theoretical ideas that are disconnected from empirical evidence. Mid range theory is associated with the ideas of Robert Merton, another sociologist, and refers to his ideas of theory articulation that are grounded in and based on evidence. Mid range theory is also sometimes referred to as the meso-level (between macro and micro) Meta theory refers to theory about theory. The best analogy for meta-theory is, according to Dr. Robert Alford, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, City University of New York; A meta-conversa
