the levels we generally talk about are Grand, Middle-Range, and Practice Level (Smith & Parker, 2020).
• Grand theories-Have concepts and relational statements (or assumptions) that reflect philosophies and include values and beliefs.
◦ Example: Orem’s self-care deficit theory-This theory focuses on patients wanting to take care of themselves and nurses helping them to do so. Grand level theories generally address concepts of the metaparadigm of nursing (Person, Health, Environment, Nursing)
• Middle-Range Theories-Are broad enough for complex situations yet can be empirically tested.
◦ Example: Power as Knowing Participation in Change-Includes power as Freedom and Control and Power as Knowing. (Includes concepts that can be measured or tested.)
• Practice-Level theories -Used in specific range of nursing situations, guide interventions and activities.
◦ Example: Heart Failure Medication Management
As you look at the definitions, does burke-Harris team ACES theory guide a person in theories and beliefs? Is it able to be tested? Is it limited in scope and only useful in a specific nursing situation?
While choosing the level of theory is not super important, it does help in knowing how much the theory could explain. As I look at this theory, it seems testable, so I would not choose Grand. It seems bigger than a specific situation, so I would actually call it middle-range.
What do you think?