Define Paradigm ( theoretical Framework)
Distinct from a theory, influences the way knowledge is studied and interpreted. |
It is the choice of paradigm that sets down the intent, motivation and expectations for the research. |
Without nominating a paradigm as the first step, there is no basis for subsequent choices regarding methodology, methods, literature or research design. |
While the major paradigms will have an overall framework consistent with the definitions provided above, specific research paradigms may have particular features, which differentiate them from other paradigms within the same group eg neo-marxist |
Transformative paradigm
claim that much sociological and psychological theory which lay behind the dominant paradigms "had been developed from the white, able-bodied male perspective and was based on the study of male subjects" |
aim to address issues of social justice and marginalised peoples |
"believe that inquiry needs to be intertwined with politics and a political agenda" |
must contain an action agenda for reform "that may change the lives of the participants, the institutions in which individuals work or live, and the researcher's life" |
Methodology: Qualitative methods with quantitative and mixed methods. Contextual and historical factors described, especially as they relate to oppression |
mixed methods approach provides structure for the development of "more complete and full portraits of our social world through the use of multiple perspectives and lenses", allowing for an understanding of "greater diversity of values, stances and positions" |
Data Collection Tools: Diverse range of tools - particular need to avoid discrimination. Eg: sexism, racism, and homophobia. |
Language: Critical theory, Neo-marxist, Feminist, Critical Race Theory, Freirean, Participatory, Emancipatory, Advocacy, Grand Narrative, Empowerment issue, oriented, Change-oriented, Interventionist, Queer theory, Race specific, Political |
Postpositivist (and positivist) paradigm
Aims to study the social world in a way that is value free, and that explanations of a causal nature can be provided |
Positivists aim to test a theory or describe an experience "through observation and measurement in order to predict and control forces that surround us" |
Post-positivists work from the assumption that any piece of research is influenced by a number of well-developed theories apart from, and as well as, the one which is being tested. Also, theories are held to be provisional and new understandings may challenge the whole theoretical framework. |
Methodology: Quantitative. "Although qualitative methods can be used within this paradigm, quantitative methods tend to be predominant |
Data collection Tools: Experiments, Quasi-experiments, Tests Scales |
Language: Experimental, Quasi-experimental, Correlational, Reductionism, Theory verification, Causal comparative, Determination, Normative |
Pragmatic paradigm
no philosophical loyalty to any alternative paradigm |
focus on the 'what' and 'how' of the research problem |
provides the underlying philosophical framework for mixed-methods research |
the research question 'central', data collection and analysis methods are chosen as those most likely to provide insights into the question |
Data collection Tools: May include tools from both positivist and interpretivist paradigms. Eg Interviews, observations and testing and experiments. |
Language: Consequences of actions, Problem-centred, Pluralistic, Real-world practice, oriented, Mixed models |
Interpretivist/constructivist paradigm
aims to gain understanding "the world of human experience" |
suggesting that "reality is socially constructed" |
tends to rely upon the "participants' views of the situation being studied" and recognises the impact on the research of their own background and experiences |
Don't generally begin with a theory (as with postpositivists) rather they "generate or inductively develop a theory or pattern of meanings" throughout the research process. |
Methodology: predominantly qualitative data collection methods and analysis or a combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods (mixed methods). |
Quantitative data may be utilised in a way, which supports or expands upon qualitative data and effectively deepens the description. |
Data collection tools: Interviews, Observations, Document reviews, Visual data analysis |
Language: Naturalistic, Phenomenological, Hermeneutic, Interpretivist, Ethnographic, Multiple participant, meanings, Social and historical construction, Theory generation, Symbolic interaction |
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