Word of the Week! 1/6/19

Paradigm

PAIR-uh-dyme

noun

1. Example, pattern; especially an outstandingly clear or typical example or archetype

2. an example of a conjugation or declension showing a word in all its inflectional forms

3. a philosophical framework of a scientific school or discipline within which theories, laws, and generalizations performed in support of them are formulated; broadly: a philosophical or theoretical framework of any kind

Paradigm traces to a Greek verb meaning "to show," and has been used in English to mean "example or "pattern" since the 15th century. Some debate exists, however, about what kind of example qualifies as a paradigm. Some people say it's a typical example, while others insist it must be an outstanding or perfect example. The scientific community has added to the confusion by using it to mean "a theoretical framework," a sense popularized by American scientist Thomas S. Kuhn in the second edition of his influential book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, published in 1970. In that work, Kuhn admitted that he had used paradigm in 22 different ways. Some usage commentators now advise avoiding the term entirely on the grounds that it is overused. 

A theoretic framework consists of concepts and together with their definitions and reference to relevant scholarly literature, the existing theory that is used for your particular study. The theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of the theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic of your research paper and that relate to the broader areas of knowledge being considered. 

The theoretical framework is most often not something readily found within the literature. You must review course readings and pertinent research studies for theories and analytic models that are relevant to the research problem you are investigating. The selection of a theory should depend on its appropriateness, ease of application, and explanatory power. 

The theoretical framework strengthens the study in the following ways:

• An explicit statement of theoretical assumptions permits the reader to evaluate them critically.
• The theoretical framework connects the researcher to existing knowledge. Guided by a relevant theory, you are given a basis for your hypotheses and choice of research methods.  
• Articulating the theoretical assumptions of a research study forces you to address questions of why and how. It permits you to intellectually transition from simply describing a phenomenon you have observed to generalizing about various aspects of that phenomenon.
• Having a theory helps you identify the limits to those generalizations. A theoretical framework specifies which key variables influence a phenomenon of interest highlights the need to examine how those key variables might differ and under what circumstances. 

By virtue of its applicative nature, good theory in the social sciences is of value precisely because it fulfills one primary purpose: to explain the meaning, nature, and challenges associated with a phenomenon, often experienced but unexplained in the world in which we live, so that we may use that knowledge and understanding to act in more informed and effective ways. 

Name That Synonym! 

Fill in the blanks to complete a synonym of paradigm e_ _ mp _ _ r.

Check for the answers to 'name that synonym' tomorrow!

Please Like, Share, Subscribe and leave a comment below!