theory-laden
Framework-dependent, not neutral
Theory-laden describes observations or data that are shaped by the theoretical assumptions of the observer.
The term comes from philosophy of science, where it challenges the idea of purely objective observation—what you see depends partly on what you already believe.
A physicist and a layperson watching the same experiment may perceive different things because their background theories differ.
All scientific observation is to some degree theory-laden.
Governing framework of thought
- presuppositionImplicit prior assumption
- assumptionUnverified belief accepted as true
- constructivismActive knowledge-building theory
- positivismPhilosophy demanding verifiable evidence
relativism · objectivity · subjectivity · falsifiability · epistemic · hermeneutics · phenomenology · empiricism
Belief formed beforehand
- prejudicePreformed unfavorable opinion
- assumptionUnverified belief accepted as true
- predispositionInnate tendency toward something
- expectationBelief about future outcomes
influence · slant · framing · confirmation · selectivity · distortion · partiality · perspective
Testable proposed explanation
- observationAttentive watching or remark
- experimentationSystematic testing of ideas
- methodologyFormal procedural framework
- falsifiabilitySusceptibility to disproof
replication · empiricism · objectivity · neutrality · evidence · measurement · instrumentation · operationalization
Governing framework of thought
- worldviewComprehensive belief framework
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
- ideologyStructured belief framework
- doctrineEstablished body of teachings
methodology · axioms · principles · categories · terminology · vocabulary · classification · ontology
Mental interpretation of stimuli
- dataFacts for analysis
- measurementDetermining size or amount
- experimentSystematic investigation procedure
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
interpretation · expectation · attention · recognition · pattern · phenomenon · instrument · reading
paradigm
Governing framework of thought
- presuppositionImplicit prior assumption
- assumptionUnverified belief accepted as true
- constructivismActive knowledge-building theory
positivism · relativism · objectivity · subjectivity · falsifiability · epistemic · hermeneutics · phenomenology · empiricism · rationalism
preconception
Belief formed beforehand
- prejudicePreformed unfavorable opinion
- assumptionUnverified belief accepted as true
- predispositionInnate tendency toward something
expectation · influence · slant · framing · confirmation · selectivity · distortion · partiality · perspective · lens
hypothesis
Testable proposed explanation
- observationAttentive watching or remark
- experimentationSystematic testing of ideas
- methodologyFormal procedural framework
falsifiability · replication · empiricism · objectivity · neutrality · evidence · measurement · instrumentation · operationalization · variables
paradigm
Governing framework of thought
- worldviewComprehensive belief framework
- modelRepresentation or paradigm
- ideologyStructured belief framework
doctrine · methodology · axioms · principles · categories · terminology · vocabulary · classification · ontology · structure
perception
Mental interpretation of stimuli
- dataFacts for analysis
- measurementDetermining size or amount
- experimentSystematic investigation procedure
evidence · interpretation · expectation · attention · recognition · pattern · phenomenon · instrument · reading · detection
theory-ladenuninterpreted
Not yet given meaning
raw · brute · unmediated · data-driven · given
theory-ladenobjective
Purpose or goal
neutral · unbiased · direct · observational · phenomenal
theory, laden, theorem, theories, theoretical, theorist, theoretically, theorems, metatheory