Paradigm

From EvaluationWiki

A dominant model or ideal for theories of a domain, e.g., the geocentric paradigm or Newtonian paradigm in physics, the physical sciences paradigm in the social sciences, the RCT paradigm in 'evidence-based science.' Thomas Kuhn, following the Cornell school in the history of science, popularized the idea that paradigms are a kind of archetype that only change holistically, not incrementally, and essentially define what is regarded as proper research during the period of their dominance. Kuhn did not embrace the extreme relativism that some of his followers took to be implied by his approach; but neither did he explain how to avoid it.