theoretical research
What is theoretical research as opposed to Black box research?
Theoretical research involves the creation, exploration, and testing of theories or abstract ideas. It is based on logical reasoning and involves mathematical modeling, simulations, or proofs. The focus is not so much on practical application but on understanding and explaining phenomena.
On the other hand, black box research is a method of studying a system where the internal workings are not understood or known, but only the input and output are observed. This type of research is often used in situations where it’s difficult to understand what’s happening inside the system being studied.
While theoretical research attempts to understand and explain phenomena from first principles, black box research takes a more empirical approach, focusing on observed behavior without necessarily understanding the underlying mechanisms.