heuristic device
heuristic device Any procedure which involves the use of an artificial construct to assist in the exploration of social phenomena. It usually involves assumptions derived from extant empirical research. For example, ideal types have been used as a way of setting out the defining characteristics of a social phenomenon, so that its salient features might be stated as clearly and explicitly as possible. A heuristic device is, then, a form of preliminary analysis. Such devices have proved especially useful in studies of social change, by defining bench-marks, around which variation and differences can then be situated. In this context, a heuristic device is usually employed for analytical clarity, although it can also have explanatory value as a model.
More From encyclopedia.com
device , de·vice / diˈvīs/ • n. 1. a thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, esp. a mechanical or electronic contrivance: a measuring device. ∎ an exp… IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device) n. , IUCD (intrauterine contraceptive device) n. a plastic or metal coil, spiral, or other shape, about 25 mm long, that is inserted into the cavity of th… Gallium Arsenide , gallium arsenide (GaAs) devices Semiconductor integrated-circuit devices that are implemented using gallium arsenide as the intrinsic semiconductor m… smoker , smoker •balalaika, biker, duiker, Formica, hiker, mica, pica, pika, piker, striker •blocker, chocker, docker, Fokker, interlocker, knocker, locker, m… dosimeter , do·sim·e·ter / dōˈsimitər/ • n. a device used to measure an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation. DERIVATIVES: do·si·met·ric / ˌdōsəˈmetrik/ adj. do·s… Esa-Pekka Salonen , ESDI Abbrev. for enhanced small-device interface. A scheme for connecting hard disks to microcomputers with a serial transfer rate of 10–25 bps. It a…
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
heuristic device