Middle Range Theory

Middle range theory can refer to theories in:

  • Middle-range theory (archaeology) - describes how people use objects and structures and the human behaviors associated with this use; it is based on the more known
  • Middle range theory (sociology) - as discussed by Robert K. Merton is a theory with limited scope, that explains a specific set of phenomena, as opposed to a grand theory like that proposed by Talcott Parsons that seeks to explain phenomena at a societal level.

Famous quotes containing the words middle, range and/or theory:

    “The goods of fortune ... were never intended to be talked out of the world.—But as virtue and true wisdom lie in the middle of extremes,—on one hand, not to neglect and despise riches, so as to forget ourselves,—and on the other, not to pursue and love them so, as to forget God;Mto have them sometimes in our heads,—but always something more important in our hearts.”
    —Laurence Sterne (1713–1768)

    “[F]or as Socrates says that a wise man is a citizen of the world, so I thought that a wise woman was equally at liberty to range through every station or degree of men, to fix her choice wherever she pleased.”
    —Sarah Fielding (1710–1768)

    “The theory of truth is a series of truisms.”
    —J.L. (John Langshaw)