A theory is aimed at a generalized statement aimed at explaining a phenomenon. A model, on the other hand, is a purposeful representation of reality. Another way to link the two and point out differences is, a model is often used to describe an application of a theory for a particular case.

As nouns the difference between model and modeling is that model is a person who serves as a subject for artwork or fashion, usually in the medium of photography but also for painting or drawing while modeling is the art of sculpting models from clay etc to create a representation of something.

We build models to communicate the desired structure and behavior of our system. We build models to visualize and control the system’s architecture. We build models to better understand the system we are building, often exposing opportunities for simplification and reuse. And we build models to manage risk.”

A theory should help you predict and examine which factors influence your outcome. A model describes but doesn’t explain. A framework describes (but doesn’t explain) factors believed to influence an outcome. It provides a big picture overview of various descriptive categories and how they might relate to one another.

In mathematics, model theory is the study of the relationship between formal theories (a collection of sentences in a formal language expressing statements about a mathematical structure), and their models, taken as interpretations that satisfy the sentences of that theory.

Some uses of a concept analysis are refining and clarifying concepts in theory, practice, and research and arriving at precise theoretical and operational definitions for research or for instrument development. Concept analysis is a useful tool for nurses conducting research.

Abstract. This article examines critical practice and its underlying principles: analysis, action and reflexivity. Critical analysis involves the examination of knowledge that underpins practice. Critical action requires nurses to assess their skills and identify potential gaps in need of professional development.

Concept analysis is a formal linguistic exercise to determine certain defining attributes. The basic purpose of concept analysis is to clarify ambiguous concepts in a theory, and to propose a precise operational definition which reflects its theoretical base (Walker, 198 3, 27-28).