Describe, evaluate and discuss application of a nursing grand or midrange theory. This assignment also provides the learner an opportunity to connect theory and research to
nursing phenomena. Learners will develop an 8-10 page paper (excluding the title page and references) using
APA style to address the elements listed below.
Theory/Author Name and Background
Select a Grand or Mid-Range Theory that is appropriate to your practice setting.
Describe the theorist’s background in detail and discuss how their experiences have impacted the theory
development.
Examine crucial references for the original and/or current work of the theorist and other authors writing about
the selected theory.
Identify the phenomenon of concern or problems addressed by the theory.
Theory Description
Explain whether the theory uses deductive, inductive or retroductive reasoning. Provide evidence to support
your conclusion.
Describe the major concepts of the theory. How are they defined? (theoretically and/or operationally) Is the
author consistent in the use of the concepts and other terms in the theory?
Interpret how the concepts are defined. Implicitly or explicitly?
Examine the relationships (propositions) among the major concepts.
Evaluation
Identify explicit and implicit assumptions (values/beliefs) underlying the theory. On what assumptions does the
theory build?
Examine if the theory has a description of the four concepts of the nursing metaparadigm. If so, how are they
explained in the theory? If the metapardigm is not explained, what elements do you see as relevant to the
theory and why?
Discuss the clarity of the theory. Did it have lucidness and consistency?
Application
Examine how the theory would guide nursing actions.
Describe specifically how you can use this theory in your area of nursing (Practice, Education, Informatics or
Administration).