Theory
Compare and contrast at least three views on what constitutes a theory. Distinguish the related concepts of theories, such as hypothesis, paradigm, model and concept.
Differentiating between hypothesis and theory
The word hypothesis is a description of various phenomenon occurring. In most cases, it's not a confirm statement. In other cases, it can be well-developed, designed and explained to follow through the workings and mechanisms of certain phenomenon. According to one definition, it states particularly that it's a precursor to a conditional proposition. A hypothesis is an unconfirmed theory. One can develop a hypothesis while the observation is being tested, that could be unconfirmed too. By an observation, one can simply have a window of opportunity to verify a hypothesis. A hypothesis can be detailed and inclusive of details. This permits lucid testing. Apart from that, it is the distinguishing factor from a theory (Harris, 2001).
The word theory is of scientific nature by the way. Some define theory as a bunch of occurrences while others usually refer to it as a wild guess. Theory is the branch of research, which is based on conceptual idea rather than practical viability of the subject. The theory must be conjectural in nature. Within scientific domains, the theory is a working model and understanding of an occurrence (Harris, 2001).
Theory is sometimes developed within the scientific domains of observation. Thereby, it is tested consecutively forming it into a theory, prior to which it was a hypothesis. After a theory is refuted it is usually discarded away (Harris, 2001).
Models can also serve as representation of possibilities which can present a theory. The scientists can also create simulations and validate a hypothesis after the theory. Models can sometimes confirm a certain theory. Apart from that, they can serve as practical models for theory's validation (Harris, 2001).
Comparing theory, concept and paradigm
Concept is not exactly the most sophisticated of the three mentioned above as they explain skeletal ideas and piece of information that doesn't yet exist. Concepts are to be tested first by scientific testing; but the nature of scientific research is ever expanding the scientific methods and tools tend to change and modify with the passage of time. Technology morphs and changes too. In circles of social sciences, the term concept explains a list of important points around which data is compiled. In circles of biology, one concept is that an animal adjusts to its environment after a period of time by natural selection (Harris, 2001).
A theory is a bunch of explanations on a particular subject. The theory needs to be proved, tested or disproved. Theories aren't rock solid facts but rather special phenomena, but are rather guesswork around a certain phenomenon. A theory can also consist of a broad spectrum of concepts from a given field. The instances of a theory are the big bang theory or the Dalton's atomic theory (Harris, 2001).
Paradigm usually defines a bunch of theories, beliefs, methodologies and concepts which define a worldwide perspective on life and its mechanism. An instance of a paradigm is the disbelief in the scientific ideas on evolution and their relevance with respect to religious overtones. On the other hand, the scientific man with knowledge of both worlds can certainly find out the differences between religious texts. Some believe that religious texts and scientific research go hand in hand if researched with an open mind (Harris, 2001).
Differentiating between model and theory
Scientific discoveries and studies are formulated after in-depth research and analysis. The hypothesis is well thought out and experiments are done quite many times. Students may have studied and stumbled upon various scientists through time trying to explain various facts. Some teachers and professors assign their students to differentiate between model and theory to distinguish between the two (Harris, 2001).
The definition of both words is a tad bit cloudy. The students can develop both models and theories after working step by scientific methods. Theories and models are developed in a variety of different levels and stages of a study. Models are formed after theories are confirmed and then there are times when models are formed prior to theories. There are models which produce a different aspect of a theory and it leads to making another model (Harris, 2001).
Models are formed for testing a theory; they are based on theories as theories are the basis for explaining different phenomena's. Models can appear in the form of a simulation, visual, verbal and mathematical presentation of a scientific phenomenon which is strictly followed by the scientists to confirm their theories....
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