definition of technique

The technique is a set of practical knowledge or procedures to obtain the desired result.

Etymology: from the Greek tchne, which means art-

A technique can be applied in any human field: science, art, education, etc.

Although it is not exclusively human, its techniques are usually more complex than those of animals, which only respond to their need for survival.

In humans, technique is often not conscious or reflexive, it would even seem that many techniques are spontaneous and even innate.

The technique requires manual and/or intellectual dexterity, generally with the use of tools. In addition, they are usually transmitted from person to person, and each person adapts them to their tastes or needs and can improve them.

The technique arose from the human need to modify their environment. It is born in the imagination and then it is carried out, always empirically.

On the other hand, technology arises scientifically, reflexively and with the help of technique (from the historical point of view).

Another definition of technique: «It supposes the inductive and analogical reasoning that in similar situations the same behavior or procedure produces the same effect, when it is satisfactory. It is therefore the ordering of behavior or certain ways of acting and using tools as a means to achieve a certain goal.»

Characteristics of the technique

* It is born in the imagination and then put into practice, many times it is born of trial and error.

* It is usually transmitted between people and improves with time and practice.

* Each person prints their personal seal.

* It is not exclusive to humans, although our techniques are more complex than those of animals.

Difference between technique and technology

Sometimes there is no distinction between technique and technology, but they can be differentiated:

* Technology is based on scientific contributions, while technique is based on social experience;

* The technological activity is usually done by machines (although not necessarily) and the technique is preferably manual;

* The technology can usually be explained through scientific texts or graphics, while the technique is more empirical.

Technology can be seen as the study of the set of techniques.

scientific technique

For more information see: Scientific technique.

Difference between technique, method and procedure

The method: From a broad perspective, method is understood as the path to follow to achieve an objective. The method includes various techniques and procedures.

The technique: They are the practical steps that are used in the implementation (carry out) of a method.

The procedure: Set of sequenced and systematized actions that lead to the achievement of a predetermined goal. They imply a process of reflection, of awareness in the application of each of the actions that constitute it.

For more information read: Difference between technique, method and procedure

simple examples of techniques

There are many examples of applications of techniques, in different fields, from simple techniques to advanced techniques.

For example:

* The technique used to study: it is learned from other techniques and knowledge, but also each person adds a «personal touch», which makes it yours.

* The technique of kicking a penalty in football. Each player will have your «technique», perhaps learned from others, but «improved» by each player.

* In music, where the technique refers to the way of playing a musical instrument, as well as the way of composing and precomposing.

There are also studied and systematized techniques, which do not depend so much on each person, but the important thing is to incorporate them, but not necessarily improve them with a personal «touch».

Many techniques are so precise that they can be described algorithmically and mathematically, so in general we don’t need to add any personal touches.

For example, the methods we are taught in school to multiply and divide are mathematical techniques.

related terminology

technology