ResearchMethods: Introducing Thomas Kuhn and the Paradigms (W4-P2) Sp16

Along with a general discussion of theory, another related concept you sometimes see is the concept of a paradigm.

Q: What is a paradigm?
A: Oh, about 20 cents.

But seriously, what is a paradigm and what is the relationship to theory and research?

Let's get a general introduction to the concept of a paradigm and also the person who greatly developed it, Thomas Kuhn.



Ans so, what is Kuhn's concepts of paradigm and paradigm shift?

While not as visually appealing, let's also take a quick look at this informative description of Kuhn and his book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.




Kuhn's theory of scientific development can be used to understand the history of communication study and specific sub-fields within the discipline of communication.

For example see:
Rogers, E. M. & Hart, W. B. (2002). The histories of intercultural, development, and international communication. In W. B. Gudykunst and B. Moody (Eds.), Handbook of International and Intercultural Communication, 2nd Edition (pp. 1-18). Thousand Oaks: CA: Sage Publications.

Kuhn's ideas have also been used to tell paradigmatic history of agenda-setting theory.

Rogers, E. M., Hart, W. B. & Dearing, J. W. (1997). A paradigmatic history of agenda-setting research. In S. Iyengar & R. Reeves (Eds.). Do the Media Govern?: Politicians, Voters, and Reporters in America (pp. 225-236). Thousand Oaks: CA, Sage Publications.

Before reading the agenda-setting chapter, it may be helpful to get a good grasp of the basics of agenda-setting theory.



Did you spot the parts of paradigmatic history just in this short video?

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