Models and theories both are factors one comes through with providing a study on a particular topic. Both of them are produced at different stages of the study. Theories are aimed at generalizing studies and prove points whereas models aim at making an explanation or a concept easy to understand. Model is often described as an application to a theory in particular cases.
Models vs Theories
The main difference between models and theories is that models can be considered as a representing element created to explain a theory or a concept whereas theory is considered as an answer or solution to problems by proving them with the help of facts and figures. Models provide the macro level of guidance whereas theories provide a micro-level of guidance regarding a particular phenomenon.
Model is a physical, symbolic, visual, mathematical, or graphical representation of a concept or a theory that has been founded to clarify or make it simpler to understand.T
heory on the other hand is a conceptualized framework that is proven by facts and logic, by scientists. They majorly prove or predict a particular point according to their knowledge and wisdom.
Comparison Table Between Models and Theories
| Parameter of Comparison | Models | Theories |
| Concept | Models are a visual or verbal representation of theories | Theories are a conceptual framework of ideas |
| Nature | It simplifies a theory or concept | It explains or predicts phenomena |
| Work | Its work is to simplify a concept | Its work is to explain a concept with facts and logics |
| Base | They are based on theories or concepts | They are based on scientific logic or facts |
| Use | Used for verifying theories | Used for proving points |
| Guidance | Provides macro-level guidance | Provides micro-level guidance |
What are Models?
Model is a physical, verbal, mathematical, or graphical representation f a concept or an idea. Models are developed based on a theory. It can be in any shape, size, and style. Models are created to simplify theoretical concepts. They are created in the formulation of theories. It is a scientific process of the structure followed by scientists’ theories and test influence. They are prepared after conducting extreme research or experiments.
A model is created to understand a phenomenon, eliminating unnecessary details, and simplify understanding. The model contains just the necessary or required points hence, a complex concept or theory can be simplifies using a model. On a few occasions models are also seen s an application of theory, it consists of boundary conditions of an singular particular group as it serves projections on the particularly related theory.
There are 4 types of models that created easier to understand and reference such as- the conceptual model, interactive lecture demonstration, mathematical and statistical mode, and teaching with visualizations.
What are Theories?
The theory is generalized thinking or raising aconclusion regarding phenomena which is a part of an analysis. A theory is mostly used by scientists to prove a particular point with the help of scientific evidence, explanation, and facts. The process of proving a theory is linked with observation study and research. Once a hypothesis (a concept which is not scientifically analyzed) if proved correct, it is recognized as a theory.
Theories are just a framework of concept. It does not include any additional concept of practical proving material. Theories also allow scientists to predictbased on they see and their knowledge and understanding regarding the phenomena. A theory is a body of knowledge that might or might not be supported y explanatory modules
The theory is a tool for understanding and explaining complex concepts. Theories get improved as eventually more facts and evidence are provided, with increasing accuracy to support the scientific theory. Scientists develop theories to build further scientific knowledge and accomplish goalssuch as inventing new technologies and finding a cure to diseases.
Main Differences Between Models and Theories
- Models are a visual and verbal representation of theories or concepts whereas theories are conceptual framework ideas on a phenomenon.
- Models simplify a theory or concept for better understanding whereas theories explain or predict a phenomenon with their knowledge and understanding regarding the phenomena.
- Models work on simplifying an already proven concept or theory as, the model contains just the necessary or required points hence, a complex concept or theory can be simplified using a model. Whereas a theory works on explaining or proving a concept with the help of facts and scientific logic.
- Models are based on theories or concepts to build upon whereas theories are based o scientific logic and facts supported by evidence.
- Models are used verifying theories and making the understanding easier whereas theories are used for proving a particular point.
- Models provide a macro level of guidance whereas theories provide a micro-level of guidance.
Conclusion
Experiments and scientific theories both are studies and while going through them we come across a common factor making it easier for us to understand are models and theories. Both these elements support a phenomenon but they arrive at a different point in the study.
They can be differentiated on several factors such as concept, nature, work, base, use, and guidance.
Models are a visual and verbal representation of theories and concepts. They are represented in form of different shape sizes and styles. Models help in better understanding as it facilitates easy explanation methods on a topic such as conceptual model, interactive lecture demonstration, mathematical and statistical model, and teaching with visualizations.
Theories on the other hand are thinking or proving a particular point. They provide an understanding and explanation of complex concepts. It is backed up by facts and scientific logic proving the point. Theory may or may not be supported by a model. Theories are majorly used for scientific researches and studies.
References
- https://seop.illc.uva.nl/entries/models-science/
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=mdwt7ibSGUYC&oi=fnd&pg=PP14&dq=models&ots=fzKqJ0QS0Y&sig=Q7h04YZ-jzy_ixZQ5PSYfYV8S4Q
- https://library.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/toc/z2008_2104.pdf
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/33a2/4a5e431d7bdbdda2f7838eca0e00a604b14d.pdf