DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APPROACH, MODEL, THEORY, AND METHOD

Muhammad Khalid Mehmood

Department of English Linguistic, The Islamia University Bahawalpur (Bahawalnagar Campus)

APPLIED LINGUISTICS ENG-33103-34272

Dr. Saeed Ahmad
May 26, 2021

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 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APPROACH, MODEL, THEORY, AND METHOD

Approach and method are two important concepts in performing any task. These two
factors can decide the success of your task. Approach is the way you are going to approach the
project.  Method is the way in which you are going to complete the project. This is the main
difference between approach and method. Approach is the way in which you are going to
approach a project or task. It refers to the angle you are using or the direction you are going to
take. There can be a more than one way to approach a task. In academic field, approach can
refer to the theoretical framework you are going to use in a project.
For example, if a teacher gives her students a piece of literature, and ask them to write an
analysis, there will be different approaches. Some students will approach the work by analyzing
the language while some students will focus on themes. There will be others who approach the
work through an analysis of structure.
Similarly, in analyzing a work of literature, students will use different angles and
theories. For example, Jean Rhys’ White Saragossa Sea can be approached by using Postcolonial
theories or feminist theories; a combination of the two theories can also be used.
Once you have decided how you are going to approach the task, you can decide the
methods you are going to use. Method is the way in which something is done. Method is always
organized, structured and systematic. It can refer to a step-by-step description of tasks to be
completed in order to perform a task.
Difference Between Approach and Method
 Approach is the way in which something is approached.
 Method is the way in which something is done.
 Approach can refer to the theoretical framework in general.
 Method refers to step by step guidelines.
 Approach must be decided before selecting the method.
 Method can be selected after deciding the approach.
 Theory is just mathematical model or theoretical.
 Methodology is combined form of research methods and experimental method overview.
 Approach is techniques which is used in methodology.
 Method is another form of approach which use some input and output.
 Tools are some software or hardware which is used to conduct experimental
methodology.
The main difference between approach and method is that the approach is a way to deal
with someone, and the method is a whole process to solve any issue or problem. The approach is
a route that you are going to reach a project. The method is a process or steps that you use to
complete the project. Word approach means to achieve something or someone. Word method
means something is done. It is also said that approach is a cause while the method is an effect.
The term approach depends on “tackling the problems.” The term method is depending on
“solving the problems.”

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 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APPROACH, MODEL, THEORY, AND METHOD

The approach has a sense of how to deal with things or a person. A method is a manner
of telling them how to accomplish work. A person needs an approach for a problem to tackle it.
A method is required to solve any problem. The approach deals with the general philosophies.
The method is used to deal with the practical. The approach is an idea or style to overcome a
situation. The method is the overall justification of a situation.
The approach is related to the concept of facing a tough situation. The method is related
to the procedure. The approach is informal and becomes a method as it attains proficiency by
testing again and again. The method is organized and formal. Approach show direction or idea
regarding a situation. The method is a whole process to handle the situation. The approach is a
general term to do things. A method is a coherent or comprehensive tool to achieve a goal.
Key Differences:
 An approach is an act, whereas a method is a process to finish a task.
 The approach means to handle something, although the method refers to the system of
doing something.
 The approach is just a concept conversely method is a step-by-step procedure.
 The approach is casual on the flip side method is organized and coherent.
 The method is a comprehensive technique, while the approach is general.
 The word method is more specific as compared to the approach.
 Approach refers to ideas; on the other hand, the method is a complete procedure.

Models and theories both are factors one comes through with providing a study on a
particular topic. Both are produced at different stages of the study. Theories are aimed at
generalizing studies and prove points whereas models aim at making an explanation or a
concept easy to understand. Model is often described as an application to a theory in particular
cases. The difference between models and theories is that models can be considered as a
representing element created to explain a theory or a concept whereas theory is considered as an
answer or solution to problems by proving them with the help of facts and figures. Models
provide the macro level of guidance whereas theories provide a micro-level of guidance
regarding a particular phenomenon. Model is a physical, symbolic, visual, mathematical, or
graphical representation of a concept or a theory that has been founded to clarify or make it
simpler to understand. T
Theory on the other hand is a conceptualized framework that is proven by facts and logic,
by scientists. They majorly prove or predict a particular point according to their knowledge
and wisdom.

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 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN APPROACH, MODEL, THEORY, AND METHOD

Main Differences Between Models and Theories

 Models are a visual and verbal representation of theories or concepts whereas theories
are conceptual framework ideas on a phenomenon.
 Models simplify a theory or concept for better understanding whereas theories explain or
predict a phenomenon with their knowledge and understanding regarding the
phenomena.
 Models work on simplifying an already proven concept or theory as, the model contains
just the necessary or required points hence, a complex concept or theory can be
simplified using a model. Whereas a theory works on explaining or proving a concept
with the help of facts and scientific logic.
 Models are based on theories or concepts to build upon whereas theories are based o
scientific logic and facts supported by evidence.
 Models are used verifying theories and making the understanding easier whereas
theories are used for proving a particular point.
 Models provide a macro level of guidance whereas theories provide a micro-level of
guidance.

Reference:

Phakiti, Aek & Paltridge, Brian. (2015). Approaches and methods in applied linguistics.

Torgerson, W. S. (1952). Multidimensional scaling: I. Theory and method. Psychometrika, 17(4),

401-419.

Gardner, W. A., & Chen, C. K. (1992). Signal-selective time-difference-of-arrival estimation for

passive location of man-made signal sources in highly corruptive environments. Part 1.
Theory and method. STATISTICAL SIGNAL PROCESSING INC YOUNTVILLE CA.

Bullmore, E. T., Suckling, J., Overmeyer, S., Rabe-Hesketh, S., Taylor, E., & Brammer, M. J.
(1999). Global, voxel, and cluster tests, by theory and permutation, for a difference between two
groups of structural MR images of the brain. IEEE transactions on medical imaging, 18(1), 32-
42.

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