To begin, these paradigms, as Kuhn describes them, are originally limited in scope and precision. It may still be unclear to the researcher(s) to what is actually being studied. Nonetheless, “the success of a paradigms… is at the start largely a promise of success discoverable in selected and still incomplete examples. ” (pg 23) This however, does not mean the paradigm will be completely successful and by no means to solve all the existing problems. Yet, there is still the notion that the paradigm will be successful; this is where normal science steps in. Normal science consists in the actualization of that promise,” (the promise of success).
Kuhn, goes on to describe normal science as mop-up operations. These so “mop-up operations are what engage most scientists throughout their careers. ” Mop-up operations are not set forth to engage in new sorts of phenomena, nor do these researchers seek out new anomalies. When anomalies are discovered they’re almost always discarded and not even noticed. Instead, Kuhn describes these mop-up operations as research “directed to the articulation of those phenomena and theories that the paradigm already supplies”
The puzzle description becomes much more useful when describing the rules related to a specific paradigm. As Kuhn states, one can not simply select random pieces from two different puzzles and hope to solve the puzzle. The same is true when considering different paradigms. Each problem must be solved on its own basis; however techniques learned from previous problems in some cases can be applied. Solving elaborate puzzles may at sometimes be confusing, thus researchers are sometimes persuaded to find alternate methods and rules.
The Research paper on Critical Thinking and Problem solving
Numerous decisions are taken every day. People choose when to get up on a certain morning, what clothing to wear, and whether to read a particular book. Most of the decisions made throughout the day are relatively trivial or inconsequential. It probably does not matter too much if it is decided to sleep an extra 15 minutes on a certain morning or if a blue shirt is selected rather than a green ...
But, Kuhn argues that one can not cheat by merely creating a new picture from the puzzle. A new puzzle picture may in fact be more original and far better, “nevertheless, such a picture would not be a solution” (38).
Finally, Kuhn discusses the techniques in which facts are obtained. It is not enough that a person may indeed have an instrument that can measure a certain force. The researcher must also be able to form a theory around the measurements. Furthermore, a theory can not simply be changed in order to satisfy the measurements of the instrument used.
