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Free download from www.hsrcpress.ac.zaWe can conclude with Gorrell’s summary of the different characteristics ofmodels. Gorrell, incidentally, consistently uses the term precursive theoreticalmodels. The reason for employing this terminology is that Gorrell wishes toindicate that most models in the social sciences (in contradistinction to those inthe physical sciences) are characteristically precursors to subsequent theories.The term theoretical serves merely to distinguish the model from physical orscale models. He emphasizes four characteristics of precursive theoreticalmodels:(1) Models identify central problems or questions concerning thephenomenon that ought to be investigated.(2) Models limit, isolate, simplify, and systematize the domain that isinvestigated.(3) Models provide a new language game or universe of discourse withinwhich the phenomenon may be discussed.(4) Models provide explanation sketches and the means for makingpredictions.As far as (1) is concerned, Gorrell (1981: 130 et seq.) refers to Harre’sdiscussion of this issue: According to Harre, there are four types of questionsthat a precursive theoretical model might generate. They are:1. Existential questions: “Are there elementary information procedures?”The attempt to answer these questions generates directions forexperimental procedures,2. Descriptive questions about the hypothetical mechanism: “Is humanthinking composed of elementary information processes?”3. Causal questions; “Is hysteria caused by repressed experience?” Thepower of a hypothetical mechanism to produce the phenomenon isqueried.4. Questions about modal transformations: “Is a slip of the tongue reallyan admission of guilt!” (Harre, 1970: 55).In summary, this function is part of the heuristic properties of precursivetheoretical models since the model provides questions, pointers and directionsfor inquiry which might, if pursued, lead to a better understanding of thedomain under investigation.As far as the second characteristic of precursive theoretical models isconcerned, Gorrell (1981: 132) maintains that: The precursive theoreticalmodel generally simplifies and systematizes the domain under investigation byvirtue of positing certain assumptions about the structural, causative orfunctional nature of the modellandum, reference to which is intended toremove some puzzles or explain something about it. The simplifying andsystematizing power derives, in short, from the quasi-theoretical structure ofthe model and the attribution of certain properties and relationships to aspects141