Paradigm vs Theory: Difference and Comparison

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 two interdependent terms. Like in the case of analyzing and evaluating, one must have a paradigm before writing a theory.

Key Takeaways

  1. A paradigm refers to a broad framework or set of assumptions that shape a particular field or discipline, including its methods, theories, and practices; theory is a specific, testable explanation for a phenomenon within that field.
  2. Paradigm provides a general perspective or approach, while theory offers a more detailed explanation of specific phenomena.
  3. Paradigm may change as discoveries and approaches emerge, while the theory may be revised or replaced as new evidence is uncovered or tested.

Paradigm vs. Theory

A paradigm is a set of fundamental assumptions and concepts that provide a framework for understanding and interpreting a particular field of study. A theory is a well-established explanation for a particular phenomenon based on empirical evidence, and it is often used to make predictions about future observations or events.

Paradigm vs Theory

The 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.

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The theory is a verified hypothesis with various scientifically proven results for support.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonParadigmTheory
MeaningThe reference point for the theoryVerified hypothesis
Considered to beFramework for referenceCreation of new knowledge
UsesShowing a perspective of reality and explanation to the peopleFor predicting natural phenomena or explaining an existing phenomenon
ChangeWorks as an embodiment of theories so not as accurate as theory.Can be tested and falsified
ContentExperimental or research theoriesScientifically proven results
NaturePhilosophical in natureIdeological in nature
ApproachHas a more general approachSpecific to the topic

What is Paradigm?

The word โ€˜paradigmโ€™ has a Greek origin from the word โ€˜paradeigmaโ€™, which 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 since it has no proof of existence.

A paradigm can be considered to be in a philosophical as well as scientific sense. It shows the reality from 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.

paradigm

What is Theory?

A theory is a verified hypothesis or statement with many scientifically proven results to prove its existence.

It is ideological and also has a more specific approach. Unlike a paradigm, a theory can be proven wrong since it is more specific.

Theories 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, hypotheses, and postulates 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.

theory

Main Differences Between Paradigm and Theory

  1. The paradigm means a reference point to develop a theory, whereas the theory is considered a verified hypothesis. It is a defined statement to prove a hypothesis.
  2. A paradigm cannot be given as a statement but only as a framework of reference for developing a theory. A theory creates new knowledge, as each theory gives a different ideology.
Difference Between X and Y 2023 04 17T164714.198
References
  1. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1987-98365-000
  2. http://biblioteca.cejamericas.org/handle/2015/2163
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