Process vs. Mechanism: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 11, 2023
A series of actions or steps toward achieving a particular end. A system of parts working together within a machine or process.
Key Differences
"Process" and "mechanism" both touch on sequences or systems in action, but they diverge significantly in context and application. A process implies a series of steps or stages that lead to a particular outcome or result. This could be in a variety of contexts like manufacturing, learning, or any systematic operation. Conversely, a mechanism typically implies the physical or conceptual means by which a process or system functions.
When examining a process, we often dissect a sequence of events or steps, each integral in moving from the start to the end of an operation. Whether discussing a business process or a chemical process, the emphasis is typically on progression, transition, and transformation. Mechanism, however, roots itself more in the functioning or operation of structures or systems, often with an implication of mechanical or physical parts.
The notion of a process often comes detached from the necessity of physical components. It can be purely conceptual, representing phases in abstract developments like thought processes or bureaucratic procedures. A mechanism generally invokes the operation of a device or system, requiring tangible or intangible components to interact and function in a particular manner to yield a specific outcome.
Processes can be found in various domains such as biology, management, and cooking, referring to the systematic series of actions or strategies intending to produce a result. In comparison, mechanisms may refer to the components and their operations within machines, such as clocks or engines, but can also allude to the conceptual operations that enable processes in social, economic, or biological contexts.
In a nutshell, while process and mechanism can intertwine, especially in technical or scientific contexts, distinguishing between them often boils down to understanding a process as the "what" and "why" (i.e., what happens or why it occurs) and a mechanism as the "how" (i.e., how it happens).
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A sequence of actions leading to an outcome.
A system or structure that enables function.
Physical Components
Not necessary.
Often implied.
Application
Broader and can be abstract.
Typically concrete or tied to functionality.
Focus
Steps or stages and their outcomes.
Parts or elements and how they operate.
Usage
Can pertain to physical, conceptual, business, or scientific realms.
Common in technical, mechanical, and biological discussions.
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Process and Mechanism Definitions
Process
The use of the law courts and other fora as a means of seeking redress
The adversarial process.
Due process of law.
Mechanism
A natural or established process.
Photosynthesis is a plant mechanism.
Process
To handle data via a specific method.
Computers process data into information.
Mechanism
A means of formally addressing situations.
There’s a mechanism for filing complaints.
Process
A series of actions, changes, or functions bringing about a result
The process of digestion.
The process of obtaining a driver's license.
Mechanism
An ordered, automatic response to an event.
Fight-or-flight is a survival mechanism.
Process
A series of operations performed in the making or treatment of a product
A manufacturing process.
Leather dyed during the tanning process.
Mechanism
A machine or mechanical appliance.
Process
Progress; passage
The process of time.
Events now in process.
Mechanism
The arrangement of connected parts in a machine.
Process
The set of actions and events that constitute a legal proceeding or a significant portion thereof
The trial process.
The sentencing process.
Mechanism
A system of parts that operate or interact like those of a machine
The mechanism of the solar system.
Process
(Law) A means of compelling a person to appear in court, especially a summons ordering a defendant to appear in court.
Mechanism
An instrument or a process, physical or mental, by which something is done or comes into being
"The mechanism of oral learning is largely that of continuous repetition" (T.G.E. Powell).
Process
(Biology) An outgrowth of tissue; a projecting part
A bony process.
Mechanism
A habitual manner of acting to achieve an end.
Process
Any of various photomechanical or photoengraving methods.
Mechanism
(Psychology) A usually unconscious mental and emotional pattern that shapes behavior in a given situation or environment
A defense mechanism.
Process
A running software program or other computing operation.
Mechanism
The sequence of steps in a chemical reaction.
Process
A part of a running software program or other computing operation that does a single task.
Mechanism
(Philosophy) The doctrine that all natural phenomena are explicable by material causes and mechanical principles.
Process
See conk3.
Mechanism
(within a machine or machinery) Any mechanical means for the conversion or control of motion, or the transmission or control of power.
Process
To put through the steps of a prescribed procedure
Processing newly arrived immigrants.
Process an order.
Mechanism
Any combination of cams, gears, links, belts, chains and logical mechanical elements.
Process
To prepare, treat, or convert by subjecting to a special process
Process ore to obtain minerals.
Mechanism
A group of entities, such as objects, that interact together.
Process
(Computers) To perform operations on (data).
Mechanism
A mental, physical, or chemical process.
Process
To gain an understanding or acceptance of; come to terms with
Processed the traumatic event in therapy.
Mechanism
Any process of, or system designed to manage useful energy conversion.
Process
To straighten (hair) by a chemical process; conk.
Mechanism
(philosophy) The theory that all natural phenomena can be explained by physical causes.
Process
To move along in a procession
"The man in the panama hat offered his arm and ... they processed into the dining room" (Anita Brookner).
Mechanism
The arrangement or relation of the parts of a machine; the parts of a machine, taken collectively; the arrangement or relation of the parts of anything as adapted to produce an effect; as, the mechanism of a watch; the mechanism of a sewing machine; the mechanism of a seed pod.
Process
Prepared or converted by a special process
Process cheese.
Mechanism
The series of causal relations that operate to produce an effect in any system; as, the mechanism of a chemical reaction.
Process
Made by or used in any of several photomechanical or photoengraving processes
A process print.
Mechanism
Mechanical operation or action.
He acknowledges nothing besides matter and motion; so that all must be performed either by mechanism or accident.
Process
A series of events which produce a result (the product).
This product of last month's quality standards committee is quite good, even though the process was flawed.
Mechanism
An ideal machine; a combination of movable bodies constituting a machine, but considered only with regard to relative movements.
Process
(manufacturing) A set of procedures used to produce a product, most commonly in the food and chemical industries.
Mechanism
The atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction;
He determined unique mechanisms for the photochemical reactions
Process
A path of succession of states through which a system passes.
Mechanism
The technical aspects of doing something;
A mechanism of social control
Mechanisms of communication
The mechanics of prose style
Process
(anatomy) Successive physiological responses to keep or restore health.
Mechanism
A natural object resembling a machine in structure or function;
The mechanism of the ear
The mechanism of infection
Process
(legal) Documents issued by a court in the course of a lawsuit or action at law, such as a summons, mandate, or writ.
Mechanism
(philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causes
Process
(biology) An outgrowth of tissue or cell.
Mechanism
Device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function
Process
(anatomy) A structure that arises above a surface.
Mechanism
A system of parts in a machine.
The clock's mechanism is intricate.
Process
(computing) An executable task or program.
Mechanism
A framework facilitating a result.
The treaty includes a dispute resolution mechanism.
Process
The centre mark that players aim at in the game of squails.
Process
(transitive) To perform a particular process on a thing.
Process
(transitive) To retrieve, store, classify, manipulate, transmit etc. (data, signals, etc.), especially using computer techniques.
We have processed the data using our proven techniques, and have come to the following conclusions.
Process
To think about a piece of information, or a concept, in order to assimilate it, and perhaps accept it in a modified state.
I didn't know she had a criminal record. That will take me a while to process.
Process
To develop photographic film.
Process
To take legal proceedings against.
Process
To walk in a procession
Process
The act of proceeding; continued forward movement; procedure; progress; advance.
The thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns.
Process
A series of actions, motions, or occurrences; progressive act or transaction; continuous operation; normal or actual course or procedure; regular proceeding; as, the process of vegetation or decomposition; a chemical process; processes of nature.
Tell her the process of Antonio's end.
Process
A statement of events; a narrative.
Process
Any marked prominence or projecting part, especially of a bone; anapophysis.
Process
The whole course of proceedings in a cause real or personal, civil or criminal, from the beginning to the end of the suit; strictly, the means used for bringing the defendant into court to answer to the action; - a generic term for writs of the class called judicial.
Process
A particular course of action intended to achieve a result;
The procedure of obtaining a driver's license
It was a process of trial and error
Process
A sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states;
Events now in process
The process of calcification begins later for boys than for girls
Process
(psychology) the performance of some composite cognitive activity; an operation that affects mental contents;
The process of thinking
The cognitive operation of remembering
Process
A writ issued by authority of law; usually compels the defendant's attendance in a civil suit; failure to appear results in a default judgment against the defendant
Process
A mental process that you are not directly aware of;
The process of denial
Process
A natural prolongation or projection from a part of an organism either animal or plant;
A bony process
Process
Deal with in a routine way;
I'll handle that one
Process a loan
Process the applicants
Process
Subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition;
Process cheese
Process hair
Treat the water so it can be drunk
Treat the lawn with chemicals
Treat an oil spill
Process
Perform mathematical and logical operations on (data) according to programmed instructions in order to obtain the required information;
The results of the elections were still being processed when he gave his acceptance speech
Process
Institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against;
He was warned that the district attorney would process him
She actioned the company for discrimination
Process
Shape, form, or improve a material;
Work stone into tools
Process iron
Work the metal
Process
Deliver a warrant or summons to someone;
He was processed by the sheriff
Process
March in a procession;
They processed into the dining room
Process
A series of actions aimed at achieving a result.
The hiring process requires several interviews.
Process
A natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes.
Erosion is a slow geological process.
Process
To preserve food by treating it.
They process the fruit into jams.
Process
Legal proceedings.
The court process can be lengthy.
FAQs
Is it accurate to say every "Mechanism" involves a "Process"?
Often yes, as mechanisms typically involve processes (steps or actions) to function.
How is "Process" commonly defined?
A "Process" is a series of steps or actions taken to achieve a particular outcome.
Can "Process" refer to a natural occurrence?
Yes, "Process" can denote natural phenomena like the water cycle or erosion.
Can "Process" be used as a verb?
Yes, "Process" can be a verb, meaning to handle or treat in a set manner.
Can "Mechanism" also be used in biological contexts?
Yes, such as the "mechanism" of a biochemical reaction in a cell.
Are all "Processes" linear with clear start and end points?
No, some processes, like iterative or cyclical processes, may not have clear beginnings or ends.
Does "Mechanism" imply a degree of automatic operation?
Often yes, mechanisms often involve automatic or regulated functioning of components.
What does "Mechanism" typically refer to?
"Mechanism" usually pertains to a system of parts or elements that work together to perform a function.
Is "Mechanism" always related to machinery?
No, "Mechanism" can refer to biological, social, or other non-mechanical systems of operation.
Is "Mechanism" utilized in social sciences?
Yes, to describe systems or methods within societal contexts, e.g., a "mechanism" for wealth distribution.
Can “Mechanism” refer to a conceptual model in philosophy or science?
Yes, "Mechanism" can represent a theoretical construct explaining phenomena in various fields.
Is a "Mechanism" always tangible or visible?
No, mechanisms like psychological defense mechanisms can be intangible.
In what context is "Process" used in computing?
In computing, to "Process" means to perform operations on data according to programmed instructions.
Are the terms "Process" and "Mechanism" interchangeable?
While they can be related, they are not fully interchangeable due to differences in connotation and application.
Can a "Process" be intangible or abstract?
Yes, processes can be abstract, like decision-making processes.
Can "Mechanism" refer to a method or procedure?
Yes, “Mechanism” can refer to a procedure or method designed to resolve a problem or situation.
Can "Mechanism" be synonymous with "Technique"?
While both pertain to how something is done, “Mechanism” often implies a system or apparatus, while "Technique" is more about a skill or method.
How does a "Process" differ from a "Procedure"?
A "Process" is a series of actions, while a "Procedure" is a prescribed way to carry out a process.
Can a "Process" involve multiple simultaneous actions?
Yes, some processes encompass various actions occurring together.
In business, how is "Process" typically utilized?
In business, "Process" often refers to a series of actions to create a product or deliver a service.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
