What is the difference between concept, model, and theory?
Concept
I have
this concept of a unicorn in my thoughts. I know unicorns do
not exist but I have this idea of what they would look like if
they existed
Model
I had this model made
to make it easy to explain my concept. You can see from my model my concept
idea looks like a horse with a horn growing from the forehead
Theory
I have a theory that
unicorns might exist on other planets and that is where our concept of
unicorns comes from. I intend to test my multiple ideas into
the theoryof unicorns on our planets by checking people who think
about unicorns and what planets they also think of. Perhaps I can narrow it
down to 1 planet
Concept -
Generally (there can be exceptions) a idea about something which does not exist
or a idea about something which might exist if we build it
Model - Build a
model or make a drawing to show what the concept will look like if made
Theory - A
collection of ideas which can be arranged or linked together to produce a new
idea which can be tested to see if agrees with reality.
A concept
is similar to an idea. Conceptualizing an object, for instance, in your mind
without it being finalized or finished. A model is a material object that
represents a finished product but possibly not to scale or not complete. A
model may be the physical reality of a concept. A theory sometimes comes before
a concept. A theory may harbor a mathematical reality of the concept. Quora.com
Difference
Between Model and Theory
Key difference
between model and theory
Models and theories have to be understood
as two forms used in comprehending phenomena, and between which some
differences can be identified. In various disciplines, both in the social and natural sciences,
various models and theories are being used to understand phenomena. This can
relate to society, individuals, the human brain, plant life, etc. Although both
theories and models are used, these two are different from one another. By
paying attention to the definitions of the two words, we can understand the
key difference between a model and a theory. A model can be
understood as a representation of something. A
model provides us with a structure. On
the other hand, a theory is a set of ideas that provide us an explanation to
something.This is the key difference between a model and
theory. This article attempts to elaborate the difference between the
two. Let us begin with the word model.
What is a Model?
A
model can simply be defined as an example of something. A
model provides the individual with a structural representation of the
phenomenon, allowing him to gain a fuller understanding of it. In
various disciplines, models are used to comprehend the phenomena. This
allows the individual to build his theory based on the constructed model. In
some cases, models are used by scientists to support their ideas.
When
speaking of models there are various types. There are mathematical
models, analytical models, conceptual models, statistical models, etc.
Having a model makes it easier for students to gain a better understanding of
the concept.
Let
us take an example. In the sociology of health,
attention is paid to some of the models in medicine. One such model is the
biomedical model. This is a conceptual model that allows the sociologist to
identify a specific manner of understanding diseases, illness, and the
individual. In the biomedical model, the focus is mainly on the biological
factors of the person alone. It completely ignores the social and cultural
factors related to health. On the contrary, the psychosocial model
focuses not only on the biological factors, but also stresses the necessity of social, cultural, and
psychological factors as well.
The
Solar System Model
What is a Theory?
A theory can be defined as
a set of ideas that provide an explanation to a phenomenon. Once
the researcher has gained sufficient data, he builds the theory based on the
information that he has gathered. In some cases, the information can come in
the form of a model. However, in other cases, it is through observation and
analysis of data.
When
formulating theories, most scientists use a proper scientific methodology so that
the theory holds validity. Also, theories can be tested in order to check this
validity. Theories usually do not remain the same in a field for a long period
of time. Very often theories become disproven as scientists expand their
horizons.
In
order to comprehend the nature of theories, let us take a theory from the urban
sociology. Ernest Burgess came up with the theory of concentric urban zones in
1925. According to this theory, most cities have a tendency to spread outwards
like ripples on a pond. He believed that in each zone a specific class of
people inhabits. In order to explain his theory, he presents a model of the
city as well. This can be considered as a fine example of theory and model
merging in order to explain a phenomenon.
Theory of
Concentric Zones
What is the Difference Between Model and Theory?
Definitions of
Model and Theory:
Model: A
model is a representation of something that provides us with a structure.
Theory: A
theory is a set of ideas that provide us an explanation to something.
Characteristics
of Model and Theory:
Structure:
Model: A
model provides with a structure.
Theory: A
theory can provide us with a structure, but there is a possibility that it may
not be so as well.
Explanation:
Model: A
model provides us with a simplified understanding of a phenomenon.
Theory: A
theory explains a phenomenon.
Foundation:
Model: A
model can lay the foundation for a theory.
Theory: A
theory can be used to create a physical model.
Image
Courtesy:
1. A solar system
model donated by Albert Einstein to Ben Shemen youth village in 1928 By
Avi1111 dr. avishai teicher (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Burgess Model By
Zeimusu [Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons
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