Science is a large field and has various terms and ideologies being incorporated, not only into their facts and explanations but also into our daily life. Two such terms are paradigm and theory.
Paradigm and theory are the two terms that are inter-dependent. Like in the case of analyzing and evaluating, one must have a paradigm before writing a theory.
Paradigm vs Theory
The difference between Paradigm and Theory is that while a paradigm is only a reference point or framework for reference for showing perspectives of reality, a theory is a statement that verifies hypothesis with scientifically proven data.
Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!
Paradigm is the reference point for a theory. It is a framework or structure that embodies a lot of theories with a generic explanation for the intellectually disciplined crowd.
The theory is verified hypothesis with various scientifically proven results for support.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Paradigm | Theory |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The reference point for the theory | Verified hypothesis |
| Considered to be | Framework for reference | Creation of new knowledge |
| Uses | Showing a perspective of reality and explanation to the people | For predicting natural phenomenon or explaining an existing phenomenon |
| Change | Works as an embodiment of theories so not as accurate as theory. | Can be tested and falsified |
| Content | Experimental or research theories | Scientifically proven results |
| Nature | Philosophical in nature | Ideological in nature |
| Approach | Has a more general approach | Specific to the topic |
What is Paradigm?
The word ‘paradigm’ has a Greek origin from the word ‘paradeigma’ that means example, sample or pattern. So paradigm can be described as a set of ideas, research material, postulates etc. for a theory.
Paradigm is philosophical and has a general approach to it since it does not have any proof of existence.
A paradigm can be considered to be in philosophical as well as scientific sense. It shows the reality in different perspectives for the intellectually disciplined crowd. This provides a sense of understanding of various aspects of nature.
In science, we have absolute truth and during such cases, two paradigms cannot stand together and this phenomenon is called a paradigm shift.
What is Theory?
Theory can be said as a verified hypothesis or statement that has many scientifically proven results for proof of its existence.
It is ideological and also has a more specific approach. Unlike paradigm, a theory can be proven wrong since it is more specific.
Theory can also be classified according to the field they are being used in but the most known type is the scientific theory. This includes all the statements, hypothesis and postulates that are proven from the paradigm.
Scientifically, it is said to be statements or explanations of a recurring phenomenon that has been proved repeatedly through scientific calculations, research and hypothesis.
Main Differences Between Paradigm and Theory
- The paradigm means a reference point to develop a theory whereas the theory is considered to be a verified hypothesis. It is a defined statement to prove a hypothesis.
- Paradigm cannot be given as a statement but only be used as a framework of reference for developing a theory. A theory is considered to be the creation of new knowledge as each theory gives a different ideology.
I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️
Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
