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Middle-range theory, developed by Robert K. Merton, is an approach to sociological theorizing aimed at integrating theory and empirical research. It is currently the de facto dominant approach to sociological theory construction, [ 1 ] especially in the United States.
Over his career, Merton published some 50 papers in the sociology of science. Among many other fields and topics to which he contributed his ideas and theories were deviance theory, Organization theory, and middle-range theory. [34]: 829 Merton receiving honorary degree, Leiden, 1965
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 Middle-range theory (sociology) , a theory with limited scope, that explains a specific set of phenomena
The Merton thesis has two separate parts: firstly, it presents a theory that science changes due to an accumulation of observations and improvement in experimental technique and methodology; secondly, it puts forward the argument that the popularity of science in England in the 17th century, and the religious demography of the Royal Society (English scientists of that time were predominantly ...
The ideas of this theory were developed by Kenneth Ferraro and colleagues as an integrative or middle-range theory.Originally specified in five axioms and nineteen propositions, cumulative inequality theory incorporates elements from the following theories and perspectives, several of which are related to the study of society:
This article contains articles related to Robert K. Merton, including his writings and theories. ... Middle-range theory (sociology) O. Obliteration by incorporation; R.
Sociologist Robert K. Merton argued that sociological theory deals with social mechanisms, which are essential in exemplifying the 'middle ground' between social law and description. [7]: 43–4 Merton believed these social mechanisms to be "social processes having designated consequences for designated parts of the social structure." [8]
Merton tended to emphasize middle range theory rather than a grand theory, meaning that he was able to deal specifically with some of the limitations in Parsons' thinking. Merton believed that any social structure probably has many functions, some more obvious than others. [ 1 ]