The main difference between Paradigm and Theory is that the Paradigm is the background and the framework that allows the Theory to be found, while the Theory explains the phenomenon based on certain criteria.

Paradigm versus theory

Paradigm is a model that consists of theories, postulates, etc. The theory are scientific principles that explain a phenomenon. Paradigm is the first vision of the world. The theory is said to be a set of statements. The paradigm is said to be a theme or plan. The theory is a hypothesis. The paradigm is a solid view of many factors. The theory is a statement that we should all know. The paradigm is a combination of theories, postulates, standards, and research methods, a theory based on a proven hypothesis.

The paradigm is a specific way of looking at problems and social reality. The theory is a kind of rigid framework. The paradigm is flexible and less precise. The theory is not flexible and more precise. The paradigm acts as a point of reference for the theory. The theory is a verified hypothesis. The paradigm can also have various theories within its framework. A functional theory must be illustrative and predictive.

A paradigm is a type of group practice; values, concepts and an assumption that is related to a way of understanding the reality of the community and sharing reviews, mainly in the different academic disciplines. However, theory is a set of rules used to describe a group of facts or phenomena that are widely repeated, tested, and accepted; it can also be used to estimate the given phenomenon. In the paradigm, framework theories are being developed. Theories describe the principles of the investigation.

In the paradigm, we describe all our titles of experiments performed, equipment used, and provide guidance on interpreting the results. However, the theory explains the general principles; it is a system of intentional ideas. The theory is an indubitable hypothesis.

Comparative chart

What is paradigm?

The paradigm is an intellectual substructure through which we can see the world around you. A paradigm can be so immense and widely accepted that hardly anyone notices, just like the air you normally breathe does not notice. Paradigm also explained by the Oxford dictionary, that is, paradigm defined as a world or vision of different theories and methodology of a specific scientific and research topic. In the American Heritage dictionary, the paradigm is a package of assumptions, values, concepts and practices that establish a method to predict the reality of our community, specifically in an intellectual discipline. A paradigm is a major change in the general concepts and experiments of a scientific discipline.

The paradigm is more important than a theory. In 1962, the term paradigm was highlighted in the publication of Thomas Kuhn’s book “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.” Kuhn argued that, unlike other disciplines, science progressed through a broad paradigm. In a broad paradigm, the entire scientific community of science comes in and accepts a new way of thinking about the world or any other research. Thomas Kuhn, an American philosopher and physicist, defines the paradigm in his own way. He said that paradigm means universally organized scientific achievements that produce results of model problems of a community.

What is the theory?

A theory is a strong and approved scientific principle that is supported by various experiments and observations or evidence. A good theory has strong descriptive power. Helps scientists describe research work and make predictions about future events. In the 19 ^th century, Charles Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection is the theory of evolutionary biology. In the 20 ^th century, Einstein proposed the theory revolutionized physics. Other well-known theories, namely the geological theories of plate tonics and the medical theory of bacterial diseases, the theory of natural selection, the special relative theory, the quantum theory, the cell theory and the theory of relativity general.

The theory is an acceptable scientific principle to explain a phenomenon. According to American scientists, a theory is a set of statements or principles to explain different facts or phenomena. One theory explains the repeated tests and widely accepted by scientists. It can also be used to make predictions and assumptions about a natural phenomenon. In the Oxford dictionary, a theory defined as “an idea used to explain something on the basis of general principles.”

Normally, a theory is based on hypotheses. The proven or accepted hypothesis generally becomes a theory. Persistent observations and recurring experiments result in a proven theory. A theory accounts for a phenomenon; for example, why is something wrong? The authenticity of the theory is based on the evidence used to support it. Few theories are revised over time and with new traces of verification that they can expose.

Key differences

1. The paradigm is a reference point of the theory, while the theory is a hypothesis with strong results.
2. The paradigm is a type of philosophical explanation. On the other hand, theory is a type of ideological explanation.
3. Paradigm explains all the background to the research and study; conversely, the Theory is just a statement.
4. The paradigm is general, narrower and more focused than a theory.
5. The paradigm is flexible and can be changed. However, a theory is a strong statement, not flexible and cannot be changed.
6. The paradigm is a theoretical or intellectual framework; on the other hand, the theory acts as a big picture without expectations.
7. The paradigm has an estimate of resilience; on the other hand, theory is a natural phenomenon.
8. The paradigm is neither rigid nor mechanical in its approach, whereas the theory is rigid and cannot change over and over again.
9. The paradigm helps us understand research work and its use, while a theory allows us to understand natural phenomena and all other relationships.
10. The paradigm is a specific way of looking at things, while the theory is not flexible.
11. The paradigm is made up of postulates, theories and another research method; on the other hand, the Theory consists of a proven hypothesis.

Final Thought 

He concluded that the paradigm is a theory-building process, and the theory is part of the paradigm.