Assessing the suitability of a theory for adaptation in research is a critical task. My discussion is based on it and the internal and external scrutiny involved in evaluating middle range theories.
Theory, in the context of research is a collection of interconnected concepts, founded on assumptions, entwined through a series of propositional statements employed to offer a viewpoint on the nature of reality (Peterson & Bredow, 2020). Assessing the appropriateness of a theory for research is a vital stage in the research process because it entails examining the relevance, applicability, and explanatory capability of the theoretical framework concerning the research topic.
In contrast to grand theories, middle range theories are more concrete, adapting them for specific situations or aspects of social life. Liehr and Smith delineated the connection between intellectual processes and the origins of content associated with the construction of middle range theories (Peterson & Bredow, 2020). There are examples of them with different perspectives such as: physiological, cognitive, emotional, social, integrative. For instance, the theory of self-transcendence from social prospect, describes how the aging process or vulnerability drives individuals to extend their self-boundaries, directing their attention inwardly towards the meaning of life, outwardly towards connections with others and the environment, transiently to involve present, past, and future, and transpersonal to engage outside the bounds of the tangible world (Smith, Liehr & Carpenter 2023).
A comprehensive evaluation of middle range theories is crucial for the investigation and both internal and external criticism are key for that. Internal criticism guarantees the integrity and coherence of the theoretical framework. It includes adequacy, clarity, consistency, logical development, and level of theory development. For example, through consistency, it guarantees that the statements and connections within the theory exhibit logical coherence. Therefore, any inconsistencies or contradictions may indicate potential weaknesses in the theory. External criticism assesses how effective and applicable the theory is in practical, real-world situations. It involves complexity, discrimination, reality convergence, pragmatic, scope, significance, and utility (Peterson & Bredow, 2020). For instance, utility is relevant as it denotes the degree to comprehend, elucidate, and deal with phenomena in various environments.
Both methods aid in enhancing and advancing middle range theories within their fields of study, adding improvement, validation, and acknowledgment within the research. Therefore, they should be adapted to utilize them. The student learning outcomes explored in the discussion is: relate information and communication technologies to document and improve health outcomes. It is influential in the evaluation as it offers empirical backing, thereby improving the validity and applicability of the theory.
200 words / 2 references / APA style 7 / 5 years or less
