Paradigms in Theory Construction
Paradigms in Theory Construction Luciano L’Abate, editorWithout the framework of the paradigm supporting layers of theories,models, and data, our concept of science, and its shared mode of scholarly thought, would not exist. The concept is readily underst
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Luciano L’Abate Editor
Paradigms in Theory Construction
Editor Luciano L’Abate Department of Psychology Georgia State University University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA [email protected]
ISBN 978-1-4614-0913-7 e-ISBN 978-1-4614-0914-4 DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-0914-4 Springer New York Dordrecht Heidelberg London Library of Congress Control Number: 2011940429 © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012 All rights reserved. This work may not be translated or copied in whole or in part without the written permission of the publisher (Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA), except for brief excerpts in connection with reviews or scholarly analysis. Use in connection with any form of information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed is forbidden. The use in this publication of trade names, trademarks, service marks, and similar terms, even if they are not identified as such, is not to be taken as an expression of opinion as to whether or not they are subject to proprietary rights. Printed on acid-free paper Springer is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com
Preface
The purpose of this edited volume is to expand on an early classification of paradigms, theories, and models from a variety of contributors dedicated to each paradigm (L’Abate, 2009). Each contributor, in expanding on his/her favorite paradigm, implies or emphasizes her or his theoretical allegiance to the hegemonic importance of that paradigm over others. However, the wide range of paradigm available raises serious questions of whether one single paradigm can achieve such a superior position over others. Consequently, the major issue faced by such an embarrassment of paradigms raises the question on how one can choose one paradigm over others. In a previous publication (L’Abate, 2009) I discussed the role of paradigms, theories, and models trying to make sense of a confusing, uncritical matching of paradigms with theories, paradigms with models, and theories with models. From this publication came forth a classification of paradigms that to my knowledge has not been attempted before, at least in psychology but, as we shall see, attempted frequently in other social science disciplines. Paradigms include theories. Theories include models. Models include dimensions, according to a hierarchical framework. However, what is a paradigm? Many definitions equate a paradigm with a model, making it very difficult to differentiate among the different components of the proposed classification. Eventually, the best way I could define a paradigm was as “one way to look at reality.” Or “a systematic system of values.” This way of looking consists of different components chosen to perceive reality according to individual criteria. Different value systems for different individuals. Whether there is a unique, supra-ordinate paradigm, besides evolution, is a question that remains to be answered by most contr
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