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According to [[Thomas Kuhn]], theories are assessed by the methods of the existing paradigm in periods of normal science. In a revolutionary period, the paradigm shifts and theories are assessed by the methods of the new paradigm. According to Kuhn, a scientific paradigm is the collection of accepted scientific theories. [[CiteRef::Kuhn (1962)| pp. 81, 84-87]] Kuhn was among the first to recognize that observational anomalies are not exceptional and do not automatically lead to theory rejection.
[[Imre Lakatos]] recognized that there is always "an ocean of anomalies" but these only become significant when a new theory makes a novel prediction. [[CiteRef::Lakatos (19711971a)| pp. 111, 126-128]]
The later [[Larry Laudan]] agreed with the concept of comparative appraisal. [[CiteRef::Laudan (1984)]] In his reticulated model of science, theory choice is determined by the methods employed at the time. The methods in turn are determined by the accepted theories. Lakatos is an important precursor to modern scientonomy.
