What Is the Difference Between Theorists and Phenomenologists in Physics?

[Schreiberdk]

Hi there PF.

Im not sure if this is the right place for posting this question, but what is the difference between theorists and phenomenologist? What do each do, and where do they differ in work?

Schreiber

 

[unthinkabilit]

Hey, I haven't read any of the rules and regulations of this forum so I hope that I don't get banned, but as far as I know (just after reading wikipedia on phenomenology), phenomenology deals with phenomena, I.E. things that are observable.
Theoretical physics may be more concerned with nuomena rather than phenomena (please refer to the second definition of noumenon in the link within this bracket space if you are unfamiliar with meaning of noumena http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/noumena ).

I am only an undergrad in physics so don't take my word for it lol.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenomenology_(particle_physics) is a link to one of the hyperlinked pages when i searched for "phenomenology" which may be linked to theoretical physics (and your question).
For the full list, which as far as I can tell only has 3 links pertaining to your question visit " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenomenology "

 

[LAHLH]

On a more pragmatic note:

Phenomenology: you'll prob end up doing lots of c++ coding, perhaps using Monte-Carlo type techniques to try and simulate particle collision events using event generators (cf Pythia, Herwig, Pomwig etc). The way I see it, particle phenomenology is the middle ground between an experimentalist and a theorist. These are the people that try to predict what might be observed at the LHC say, what to look out for etc, lots of computer simulation code, and so forth.

Theorist: actually investigating the theoretical models themselves rather than using them so much, if that makes sense. Trying to change or improve upon these theories (albeit in a very small way). Can involve lots of programming too, depending on what area of research you're in, but often much more pen and paper and analytics/mathematics.