The main difference between model and paradigm is that model is a physical, verbal or a graphical representation that simplifies a complex concept or idea while paradigm is a set of concepts, including theories, research methods, postulates, and standards that constitutes a way of viewing the world.
We often use the two words model and paradigm interchangeably. This is because there is considerable overlap in the meanings of these words.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Model
– Definition, Characteristics
2. What is a Paradigm
– Definition, Characteristics
3. Difference Between Model and Paradigm
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Model, Paradigm
What is a Model
Model is a physical, verbal or a graphical representation of a concept or an idea. We can develop models based on theoretical aspects. In brief, we make models to simplify theoretical concepts. Moreover, we use them in many fields in the modern world. For example, a person can imagine what his/her dream house should be like. If he/she goes to an architect and explains his ideas, the architecture can make a graphical representational model. Then, it would be easier for the person to understand and see well his/her dream house’s structure.
Figure 1: Example of a Structural Equation Model
In addition to the above, a model can facilitate a clear understanding of phenomena, eliminating unnecessary details. In other words, we can easily explain a complex concept by using a model of a particular concept. Generally, a model contains only the most necessary parts, and we can make a model verbally, visually or using graphics.
What is a Paradigm
Paradigm is a combination of theories, postulates, research methods, etc. The Oxford dictionary defines it as “world view underlying the theories and methodology of a particular scientific subject” while American Heritage dictionary defines it as “a set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline”. Positivism, social constructivism, and postmodernism are some examples of paradigms in social sciences.
Furthermore, the American philosopher Thomas Khun defined paradigm as “universally recognized scientific achievements that, for a time, provide model problems and solutions for a community of practitioners”. According to him, it contains the following elements:
- What is to be observed
- What type of questions to be asked
- How these questions should be structured
- What predictions are made by the primary theory used
- How the results of the scientific experiments should be interpreted
- How an experiment should be conducted/ what is necessary to conduct an experiment
Moreover, a paradigm shift is a crucial change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of a scientific discipline.
Difference Between Model and Paradigm
Definition
A model is a physical, verbal or a graphical representation that simplifies a complex concept or idea while paradigm is a set of concepts, including theories, research methods, postulates, and standards that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline.
Examples
Structural model and functional model are two examples of models while positivism, social constructivism, and postmodernism are examples of paradigms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a model is a physical, verbal or a graphical representation that simplifies a complex concept or idea. A paradigm, on the other hand, is a set of concepts, including theories, research methods, postulates, and standards that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline. Thus, this is the main difference between model and paradigm.
Reference:
1. “Conceptual Model.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Dec. 2020, Available here.
2. “Paradigm.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Dec. 2020, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Example Structural equation model” By Tim bates – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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