grand theory


grand theory

A set of abstract ideas that together make a broad statement about human beings, the environment, health, or nursing. A grand theory is broad in scope. It is made up of concepts and propositions that are less abstract and general than the concepts and propositions of a conceptual model but are not as concrete and specific as the concepts and propositions of a middle-range theory. A grand theory sometimes is used in place of a conceptual model as a guide for research or practice. See also: theory