Identifying your research paradigm

11 important questions on Identifying your research paradigm

Ontological assumption
(the nature of reality): Positivism

Social reality is objective and external to the researcher.
There is no reality.

Ontological assumption
(the nature of reality): Interpretivism
:

Social reality is subjective and socially constructed
There are multiple realities.

Epistemological assumption (what constitutes valid knowledge): Positivism:

Knowledge comes from objective evidence about observable and measurable phenomena.
The researcher is distant from phenomena under study.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

Epistemological assumption (what constitutes valid knowledge): Interpretivism:

Knowledge comes from subjective evidence from participants
The researcher interacts with phenomena under study.

Axiological assumption (the role of values): Positivism:

The researcher is independent from phenomena under study.
The results are unbiased and value – free.

Axiological assumption (the role of values): Interpretivism:

The researcher acknowledges that the research is subjective.
The findings are biased and value – laden.

Rhetorical assumption (the language of research): Positivism:

The researcher uses the passive voice, accepted quantitative words and set definitions

Rhetorical assumption (the language of research): Interpretivism:

The researcher used the personal voice, accepted qualitative terms and limited a priori definitions.

Methodological assumption (the process of research): Positivism:

The researcher takes a deductive approach.
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 takes an inductive approach.
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 research questions to drive the research
· 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.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo