Difference Between Models and Theories
Models vs Theories
Scientific studies and discoveries come about after a well-thoughtout hypothesis and thoroughly conductedexperiments that produce models
and theories. Students may have encountered countless models and theories
of infamous scientists who once aimed to explain the different phenomena.
There may also be classes where teachers or professors ask the students to
formulate their own model and/or theory to draw the difference between the
two.
True enough, the definition of the two terms can be confusing. Students may
come up with both models and theories after performing the step-by-step
process of scientific methods. But models and theories are produced in the
different levels and periods of the study. Models may be produced after
the formulation of theories, but there can be instances when the models are
produced first before the theories. There can also be cases when models
produce theories which in turn lead to the construction of another model for
the verification of a theory.
Note that one difference relied upon the fact that models are the basis of
theories, while theories are the main basis for the explanation of different
phenomena. Models come in the form of a verbal, visual, or mathematical
representation of a prospect or scientific process of structure that should be
followed by scientists in order to come up with theories and test inferences.
These then can be formulated after conducting extensive observations of
physical phenomena.
When scientists have come up with a model showing structures of the
scientific methods, repeated experiments following the model will be
conducted in order to come up with acceptable theories.
Models can also be seen as an application of theories in some instances. They
consist of a given group of boundary conditions which serve as a projected
possibility based on the premises of a certain theory. When the behavior of the
Eiffel Tower during an earthquake is being observed, for
example, computer simulation may show the possible movements based on
what the Prandtl-Meyer stress-strain relationship theory implies.
In this scenario, models result from what theories state instead of the other
way around. The term “model” is used to refer to an abstract representation or
a projection of possibility with an underlying theory as the basis.
Models can also be defined as a physical representation of a theory. A scientist
studying the behavior of ants in a colony, for example, can have set theories
on how the ants gather and store food. Observation of ants in their natural
habitat may be difficult so he will feel the need to devise a physical model. The
physical model can be in the guise of an ant colony inside a glass box. As the
scientist observes the behaviors from the devised model, theories can then be
confirmed, rejected, restated, or changed. Physical models can, therefore, be a
tool for the verification of the theory.
Simply put, both a model and a theory state possibilities and provide
explanations for natural phenomena. Models can be used in the formulation
of experimental setups as the scientist performs the steps of the scientific
method. They give structure for the formulation of theories.
Models may also serve as the representation of possibilities with respect to the
premises of theories. Scientists can create simulations and state hypotheses
modeled after the theories. In some cases, models can also be used to confirm
a theory. They serve as the variable for experiments needed for the testing of
the theory’s correctness.
Summary:
1.Models and theories provide possible explanations for natural phenomena.
2.Models can serve as the structure for the step-by-step formulation of a
theory.
3.Theories can be the basis of creating a model that shows the possibilities of
subjects observed.
4.Models can be used as a physical tool in the verification of theories.