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MENTAL MODEL · M6696

Kuhn's Theory-Evidence Coordination

Kuhn's Theory-Evidence Coordination
Learn & MetacognitionmediumCognitive Science
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Updated 2026-08-10

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INTRODUCTION

English translation pending.

CORE DEFINITION

Deanna Kuhn's theory of theory-evidence coordination describes the central challenge of scientific thinking: distinguishing a theory from the evidence for it, and understanding how evidence supports or undermines a claim. She identifies three developmental levels. Absolutism holds that knowledge is certain and there is one correct answer, so evidence either confirms or is dismissed. Multiplism holds that all opinions are equally valid, which abandons the standard for evaluating claims. Evaluativism holds that claims must be supported by evidence and can be compared and judged, which is the level genuine argument requires. Development proceeds in that order but is not guaranteed.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Use separation: write your claim and the evidence for it in two separate columns. - Use counter-check: ask what evidence would count against your claim before defending it. - Use level diagnosis: check whether you are treating a claim as certain, as arbitrary, or as evidence-dependent.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Reasoning about a contested claim requires holding a theory and the evidence for it as separate objects. At the absolutist level, evidence that conflicts with the theory threatens identity, so it is discounted. At the multiplist level, the standard is abandoned instead, and every position becomes equally acceptable. Evaluativism resolves the tension by making evidence the arbiter, allowing a claim to be revised without being discarded. Because the levels describe how evidence is treated rather than what is known, one person can operate at different levels in different domains.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deanna_KuhnZH · Explicit
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