Registered Environmental Manager (REM) Practice Exam

What does a paradigm shift refer to?

1. A gradual change in public opinion

2. A temporary change in social norms

3. A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions

4. An incremental improvement in technology

The correct answer is: A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions

A paradigm shift signifies a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions, often reshaping how a particular discipline or field functions. This concept is grounded in the theory of scientific revolutions introduced by Thomas Kuhn, suggesting that shifts in prevailing theories occur not merely through linear progress but through dramatic transformations in the foundational beliefs that govern practices and methodologies. In the context of environmental management, acknowledging a paradigm shift can mean re-evaluating traditional approaches to sustainability or regulatory practices in response to new scientific evidence or social priorities. As such, this form of transformation goes beyond mere adjustments or improvements; it redefines the core framework within which professionals operate, encouraging innovative thinking and strategies that may have previously been overlooked. The other options describe changes that are less profound: gradual shifts in public opinion may influence paradigms but do not constitute a paradigm shift themselves; temporary changes in social norms are often reversible and do not reflect a significant reevaluation of foundational beliefs; and incremental improvements in technology denote progress but stop short of altering the fundamental principles or assumptions of a discipline.