Grand theories of the social sciences operate at

Grand theories operate at a higher level of abstraction, far removed from specific empirical observation.

They offer broad, sweeping explanations of society rather than testable, concrete propositions.

A lower level describes middle-range or empirical work, not grand theorising.

A simplistic level misstates their nature, since grand theories are complex and general.

A categorical level is not the recognised description of their operating plane.

Middle-range theories, coined by Robert Merton, bridge grand theory and empirical findings.