Research Philosophy and Research Paradigms

Introduction

• Focus on three popular research paradigms:
  • Positivism
  • Interpretivism
  • Pragmatism
• Importance of understanding and applying these paradigms to research projects.
• Video based on an extract from the online course "Research Methodology Boot Camp."

Importance of Research Philosophy

• Often glossed over by students in academic research.
• Understanding philosophical underpinnings is crucial, especially in social sciences.
• Research philosophy and paradigms refer to beliefs, assumptions, and principles guiding research.

Terminology

• Research Philosophy: Beliefs about knowledge and its acquisition.
• Research Paradigm: Approach or framework for conducting research.
• Both terms relate to beliefs and assumptions underlying a study.

Key Research Paradigms

1. Positivism

• Rooted in hard sciences (physics, biology, astronomy).
• Knowledge obtained through objective observations and measurements.
• Focus on quantitative data and experimental methodologies.
• Aims for:
  • Objectivity
  • Generalizability
  • Replicability
• Example:
  • Investigating dietary supplements and weight loss using a randomized control trial (RCT).

2. Interpretivism

• Opposite of positivism; reality is socially constructed and subjective.
• Focuses on understanding meanings and interpretations of experiences.
• Typically adopts qualitative methodologies: interviews, observations, textual analysis.
• Example:
  • Studying experiences of individuals with chronic pain through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis.

3. Pragmatism

• Takes a practical and flexible approach to research.
• Emphasizes usefulness and applicability of findings.
• Allows for mixed methods: qualitative and quantitative data.
• Example:
  • Investigating a new teaching method's effectiveness by comparing test results and conducting interviews with students.

Recap of Key Points

• Research Philosophy: Guides methodological decisions in research.
• Positivism: Reality is independent; knowledge through observations.
• Interpretivism: Reality is subjective; knowledge through experiences.
• Pragmatism: Middle ground, focusing on practical applicability.

Conclusion

• Understanding your research philosophy is foundational to methodological design.
• Research philosophy often reveals itself through the research aims and questions.
• Encouraged to explore more on research philosophy and methodology.
• Subscription and follow-up resources available for further learning.