A grouping of related concepts with explanatory power. Theory is what helps us to make sense of what happens in the world using abstract ideas. Social theorists distinguish between grand theory and middle range theory – grand theory is broad, providing a framework for structuring idead; whereas middle-range theory addresses more narrowly defined phenomena, they are more specific.
Glossary
Theory
Glossary
Summary (bullet points)
- Theories group related concepts to explain a phenomena or experience
- Some distinguish between grand theory and middle-range theory
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Research term
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Methods
Foundational paper (s)
Varpio L, Paradis E, Uijtdehaage S, Young M. The distinctions between theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual framework. Academic Medicine. 2020 Jul 1;95(7):989-94.