paradigm

n. 1. A prototype, model, pattern, or general conceptual framework within which an approach to research in a particular area of study makes sense. 2. The set of inflected forms of a word within a natural language such as all the forms of the French verb to speak: je parle, tu parle, il parle, nous parlons, vous parlez, ils parlent. 3. An experimental procedure such as classical conditioning. 4. A generally accepted point of view within a discipline at any one point in time, including its attitudes, beliefs, values, procedures, and techniques.