Identifying your research paradigm
11 important questions on Identifying your research paradigm
Ontological assumption
(the nature of reality): Positivism
There is no reality.
Ontological assumption
(the nature of reality): Interpretivism
:
There are multiple realities.
Epistemological assumption (what constitutes valid knowledge): Positivism:
The researcher is distant from phenomena under study.
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Epistemological assumption (what constitutes valid knowledge): Interpretivism:
The researcher interacts with phenomena under study.
Axiological assumption (the role of values): Positivism:
The results are unbiased and value – free.
Axiological assumption (the role of values): Interpretivism:
The findings are biased and value – laden.
Rhetorical assumption (the language of research): Positivism:
Rhetorical assumption (the language of research): Interpretivism:
Methodological assumption (the process of research): Positivism:
The researcher studies cause and effect, and uses a static design where categories are identified in advance.
Generalisations lead to prediction, explanation and understanding.
Results are accurate and reliable through validity and reliability.
Methodological assumption (the process of research): Interpretivism:
The researcher studies the topic within its context and uses an emerging design where categories are identified during the process.
Patterns and / or theories are developed for understanding.
Findings are accurate and reliable through verification.
Comparing positivism and interpretivism; for both paradigms count:
· Use various methods to collect quantitative and/or qualitative research data
· Use various methods to summarise or otherwise reduce the research data
· Apply techniques to analyse data
· Discuss the results or findings
· Draw conclusions.
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