The usage of ‘theory’ and ‘model’ in scientific conceptualization

Abstract

The results of a survey are reported and interpreted, pertaining to the way scientists use the terms “theory” and “model” to conceptualize the scientific information and ideas they deal with. Initially the assessment of the importance of a new theoretical approach in science is done to a large extent on the basis of the conceptual structure of the new approach, but later the predictive power plays an increasingly more important role. It is suggested that results like those in this study might perhaps be used to critically evaluate new theoretical approaches in science even at the time of their conception.