preparadigmatic science

a science at a primitive stage of development, before it has achieved a paradigm and established a consensus about the true nature of the subject matter and how to approach it. Psychology has been considered a preparadigmatic science by many theorists, in contrast to physics and chemistry (regarded as normal sciences). See also immature science; paradigm shift; scientific revolution. [proposed by U.S. philosopher of science Thomas Kuhn (1922–1996)]

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Psychology term of the day

December 22nd 2024

pituitarism

n. disordered functioning of the pituitary gland, which may be overactive (hyperpituitarism) or underactive (hypopituitarism).