LESSON 02

THEORY, PARADIGM AND MODEL (I)

Paradigm
In general, paradigm is a whole system of thinking. Paradigm is a set of propositions that explain
how the world is perceived it contains a world view a way of breaking down the complexity of
the real world.

Paradigms are broad theoretical formulations. They set forth sets of postulates-assumptions that
one can choose to regard as descriptions of reality for the purpose of obtaining derived
hypothesis. Such hypotheses can then guide research on specific process and effects.

“A paradigm is a set of beliefs, values techniques which are shared by members of a scientific
community, and which acts as a guide or map dictating the kinds of problems scientist should
address and the types of explanation that are acceptable”. (Kuhn, 1970)

So paradigms includes basic assumptions, the important questions to be answered or puzzles to

be solved , the research techniques to be used and examples of what good scientific research
looks like. In other words we can say paradigms are different ways of looking at world- the way
ways to observe measure and understand social reality.

There are three major paradigms

Positivistic perspective
Interpretive perspective
Critical perspective

Positivistic Perspective
It is the oldest paradigm. Linked with the work of A.Comte and E.Durkeim
It defines reality as everything that can be perceived through the senses; Other sources of
knowledge are unreliable. Reality is out there, independent of human consciousness. Reality is
objective, rests on order and is governed by strict, natural and unchangeable laws. It can be
realized through experience.All members of society define reality in the same way, because they
all share the same meanings.
Science is based on strict rules and procedures. Science is deductive, proceeding from general
/abstract to specific/ concrete. Science is based on universal causal laws which are used to explain
concrete social events and relationships.

Interpretive Perspective
Interpretative social science relates to the works of Vico, Dilthey, and Weber.
Interpretive theorists believe that reality is not ‘out there’ but in the minds of the people. Reality
is internally experienced is socially constructed through interaction and interpreted through the
actors and is based on the definition people attach to it .Reality is not objective but subjective.
The approach employed is inductive-proceeding from the specific to the general and from the
concrete to the abstract. It is ideographic- it presents reality symbolically in a descriptive form

Critical Perspective
This was developed out of the work of Karl Marx and the critical, theorists and feminists. Critical
theorists see reality in a different manner. Reality is created not by nature but by the powerful
people who manipulate condition and brainwash others to perceive things the way they want them
to, to serve the needs of the powerful. They claim that reality is not what it appears to be, for it
often does not reflect the conflicts, tensions and contradictions that are eminent in society. The
interest of the critical theorists is to uncover these myths and illusion, to expose real structures
and present reality as it is.

They propose that human beings have a great potential for creativity and adjustments. They are
however restricted and oppressed by social factors and conditions and exploited by their fellow
men, who convince them that their fate is correct and acceptable. Belief in such illusions creates a
false consciousness and prevents people from fully realizing their potential. Critical theorists fight
illusions and the structures. It is not value-free.

What is a theory?

Sir Karl Popper, a philosopher instrumental in shaping 20th century views of knowledge, says :
“Theories are nets cast to catch what we call the world.”

Popper was primarily interested in investigating the way in which we come to understand the
natural and physical world, but his view are also highly appropriate in a consideration of how we
come to know about the human and social world in which we live.

Nature of theory
Understanding the nature of theory in the scholarly world involves a consideration of two issues:

1. To develop a shared understanding of what a theory is. Although there is no one definition of
theory, but we will consider issues regarding the conceptualization of theory.
2. How theory functions as a vehicle toward enhancing our understanding of the social world.

Conceptualizing theory
As discussed earlier theories help us understand or explain phenomena we observe in the social
world. Theory is necessarily an abstraction of the social world. Theory is not the communicative
behavior itself but an abstract (a general idea not based on any particular real physical reality)
set of ideas that help us make sense of behavior. Everyone tries to make sense of their lives by
developing and testing these common sense theories. However people who make sense of
communication as part of an academic career are communication researchers and theorists.

We will explore the nature of theory looking at what we mean by theory in the scholarly world
and by looking at the foundation we bring to the development and use of theory. Theory must go
beyond or ‘look behind’ phenomena in the social world.

There are two approaches to theory building

Deductive approach
Inductive approach

Deductive Approach
From the general to particular; the process by which theory is tested
Deductive approach to theory building tends to give primacy to theory’. That is, abstract theories
are developed early after initial sensitizing observation, and then empirical observations are used
to test those theories. The researcher begins with a general idea or theory and asks a specific
statement or hypothesis, then tests the hypothesis with the collection of data. The movement is
from the general proposition to the specific instances seen in the research.

Inductive Approach
Inductive approach to theory building gives primacy to observation. FROM THE PARTICULAR
TO THE GENERAL; THE PROCESS BY WHICH THEORY IS GENERATED. In this
approach, theoretical abstractions are based on- or grounded in empirical observation. The
scholars immerse themselves in the situations and then come up to any conclusions. The
researcher begins with a simple research question and collects data that describe a particular case,
and then develops a theory based upon findings.