Hello everyone,
I am wondering if you can give me an overview of the difference between a Theory, a Perspective and a Model.
If you can focus in the area of Social Work and Psychology that will be great. As well, if you have recommended sources, please share them with me.
Thank you for your support,
Riham A.
Michael Uebel suggests a good general way to conceptualize the three concepts. I could add that a perspective describes what kind of phenomenon you regard as "really real" (e.g., neuronal connections in a neuroscience perspective, unconscious dynamics in a psychoanalytic perspective, behavior change in a learning perspective). A theory tries to explain WHY a certain phenomenon occurs (e.g., in Skinner's theory, behavior change/learning occurs because of contingent reinforcement; we experience fear because the amygdala is activated; we show group favoritism because, over evolutionary time, that tendency has benefitted the survival of particular genes). A model specifies HOW a given phenomenon is produced (e.g., human cognition operates through computation, as in a computer; attitude change occurs through the separate and combined effects of characteristics of the source of a persuasive message, characteristics of the message itself, and characteristics of the audience or receiver; moral development occurs by means of social interactions that expose the child to multiple points of view).
Hi Dr Riham Al-Saadi . A model is a way to think and interpret events, as well as objects. But a theory has scientific explanations which is the result of experimentation. See the link: https://quizlet.com/11217667/bc-science-8-reading-check-p251-flash-cards/
I just want to add a quick note of appreciation to the shared insights so far and looking forward to further insights as I dive in this aspect more. I am using this to complete a segment of my dissertation so it would be of great help.
Thank you so much and if more insights can be shared I am definitely open to that!
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