normative theories
Oxford Dictionary of Geography:
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normative theory
Any theory which seeks to explain or predict what would happen under theoretical constraints; what ought to be, such as perfect competition, rather than what is, or will be (imperfect competition).
In geography, normative models, like the von Thünen model of land use, generally rely heavily on assumptions and preconditions and most spatial analysis is normative. Many normative models are wildly unrealistic since they ignore the complexity of the real world, concentrating on idealized concepts such as rational, economic man, and isotropic plains.
Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology:
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normative theories
[Th]
A view of human culture based upon the identification of abstract rules and general conditions that can then be applied to a particular culture in order to explain or understand its workings or material culture. Such an approach provides a widely used framework for studying archaeological cultures throughout time.
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Oxford Dictionary of Geography
A Dictionary of Geography. Copyright © Susan Mayhew 1992, 1997, 2004. All rights reserved.
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