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Editorial
. 2019 Dec 11;14(1):103.
doi: 10.1186/s13012-019-0957-4.

Harnessing the power of theorising in implementation science

Roman Kislov  1   2 , Catherine Pope  3 , Graham P Martin  4 , Paul M Wilson  5
Affiliations
Editorial

Harnessing the power of theorising in implementation science

Roman Kislov et al. Implement Sci. .

Abstract

Theories occupy different positions in the scientific circle of enquiry as they vary in scope, abstraction, and complexity. Mid-range theories play a crucial bridging role between raw empirical observations and all-encompassing grand-theoretical schemes. A shift of perspective from 'theories' as products to 'theorising' as a process can enable empirical researchers to capitalise on the two-way relationships between empirical data and different levels of theory and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. This can be facilitated by embracing theoretically informative (in addition to merely theoretically informed) research, developing mechanism-based explanations, and broadening the repertoire of grand-theoretical orientations.

Keywords: Circle of enquiry; Grand theory; Implementation science; Interdisciplinarity; Mechanism-based explanation; Mid-range theory; Programme theory; Research agenda; Theoretically informative research; Theorising.

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Conflict of interest statement

PMW is co-Editor-in-Chief of Implementation Science. All decisions relating to this manuscript were made by another senior editor. The other authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Bridging role of mid-range theories in the scientific circle of enquiry (Adapted from Brodie et al. [25])
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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