The following are criteria for mid-range
theory:
These are characteristics of good mid-range theory as described
by Whall (1996):
-
Its concepts and propositions are
specific to nursing;
-
it is readily operationalized;
-
it can be applied to many situations;
-
propositions can range from causal
to associative, depending on their application;
and
- assumptions fit the theory.
Whall, A. (1996). The structure
of nursing knowledge: Analysis and evaluation of
practice, middle-range and grand theory. In Fitzpatrick
J & Whall, A, eds. Conceptual Models of Nursing:
Analysis and Application. (3rd ed.) Stanford,
CT: Appleton & Lange.
Nolan & Grant
(1992) suggested two other criteria if a theory is
to be applied in practice. Those are:
- it should be relevant for potential users of the theory,
i.e. nurses; and
- it should be oriented to outcomes that are important for
patients, not merely describe what nurses do.
Nolan, M. & Grant, G. (1992). Mid-range theory
building and the nursing theory-practice gap: A
respite care case study. Journal of Advanced
Nursing, 17, 217-223.
In addition,
- it should describe nursing-sensitive phenomena that are
readily associated with the deliberate actions of nurses.
Kolcaba, K. (in review).
Evolution of the mid range theory of comfort for
outcomes research. Nursing Outlook.
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