Three Philosophical Research Paradigms

The research design and methods of a study are constructed based on identifying the research problem, developing the theoretical framework, and reviewing the literature (Merriam, 2009). However, the heart of any research design, according to Maxwell (2013), is the research questions. The research questions help to focus the study and influence the choice of research design and methods for data collection. “More than any other aspect of your design, your research questions will have an influence on, and should be responsive to, every other part of your study” (Maxwell, 2013, p. 73).

Positivism and interpretivism are two approaches of interpreting social reality, that each employ different methods of research and data collection to better help understand the study of human lived experiences. The positivist-interpretivist debate revolves around the ways in which human behavior should be conceptualized and studied (Pruss 1996: 4). Positivism is the most widely practiced research approach in social science, which regards the nature of social reality independent of consciousness. Positivists believe social reality can be studied independently from the researcher and that social life can be represented using numbers that according to positivists reveal features of social reality. On the other hand, interpretivists favor partipcant observation, interviews and social interaction where the researcher immerses into the informant’s reality to gain knowledge of their everyday human lived experiences.

Research methodology is conceptualised as the overall approach of the investigator to achieve the aim and objectives of the research study (Saunders et al, 2012). The literature has pointed out that effectiveness and efficiency of research methodology has a direct impact on its feasibility, reliability and authenticity (Bryman & Bell, 2015). This is the reason, it is proposed that standardised frameworks should be used to develop overall research strategy that is optimised for the aim and objectives of any given research.

Paradigms are an intellectual or theoretical view of a discipline based on universal beliefs and values shared by the practitioners. Paradigms are important in any discipline in that they help to answer questions and concerns of the discipline, shape practice, concept, and aid the formation of guidelines. Other

Research methodology and methodological approaches that is, the structured process of conducting research and the overall concepts and theories which underpin research respectively (Bryman, 2008), occupy a central position in the research process as they are both shaped by and translate the researcher’s epistemological position. Epistemology then refers to a researcher’s philosophical stance about the nature, derivation and scope of knowledge (Gilbert, 2008). These positions are seldom ‘spelt out’ but rather understood in the matter of research methodology and approach (Sarantakos, 2005).

The epistemology and ontology together guide the researcher towards the type of research they will conduct, and in turn determine the type of methodology and methods of the research (Carter & Little, 2007).

Discuss the three main theoretical paradigms of sociology. For each paradigm (symbolic interactionism, functionalism, and conflict theory), describe a theorist and his/her ideas, and apply these ideas to understanding why people commit crimes. [4-5 pages] There are three main theories used in sociology, the first one is called structural functionalist theory also known as functionalism. Functionalism states that all parts of society are working together for the good of society “The state or government was seen to be the brain; industry was the muscular system; media and mass communication were the nervous system” (Conley,.

Research methods provide guidance on designing a study. Research design and use of theory varies per research method. Each design has specific requirements pertaining to issues such as the role of theory, data collection, and the use of variables (Jackson, 2012). Researchers conduct studies when a problem or gap in the literature pertaining to a topic is identified, or when a weakness in an existing theory is identified. The researcher then formulates a research question. The research study should be designed to answer the research

Please find below the theories that are used in my approach to research. These theories are ones that are being consistently tested.

The positivist paradigm refers to the assumption derived from empiricism and determinism, which aims to objectively predict the relationship between variables in question, with the belief that social matters can be treated the same way as those in natural science. The positivist paradigm assumes that true knowledge and information is derived from logic and mathematical implications, where every rational assertion can and must be scientifically proven. When applying this paradigm, the researcher is separate from what is being researched, with absolutely no interference of personal values and interests. As the avoidance of such interference cannot be achieved, post-positive paradigm was developed accordingly. Post-positivism implies that knowledge

Examine the advantages and disadvantages of using both positivist and interpretivist methods of research (20)

Research paradigms are ‘the entire constellation of beliefs, values, techniques, and so on shared by members of a given community’ (Kuhn, 1970, p.175). The three most common paradigms are positivism, constructivism or interpretivism and pragmatism. Each of these can be categorised further by examining their: ontology, epistemology and methodology. Fundamentally, ontology is the nature of reality, epistemology describes the relationship the investigator has with their version of reality, and methodology is the various techniques and tools used to analysis their research.

Undoubtedly, there is an unswerving relationship between the theory and its application. Theory offers direction in research, and its application affords a baseline for research. In the following text, the relationship between theory and application and the manner in which a theory guides practices is espoused upon. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to show how research and theory are connected and how both serve as models for good practice in finding the appropriate information that allows investigators to resolve issues and to solve research problems, while also adding to the world’s body of knowledge (Akang, 2012).

A paradigm is essentially what guides the research conducted by a researcher. Qualitative and quantitative are the main two research paradigms that guide a researcher. These are basically beliefs about reality or ontology. This is called relativism and in this paradigm, the researcher believes that there are many qualitative perspectives of reality. Generally this type of research is subjective. Qualitative research analysis is generally inductive and focuses on experiences and perceptions of research participants. Research design methods for this paradigm include phenomenology (lived experience), ethnography (influence of culture) and grounded theory (social process) (NurseKillam, 2017).

The purpose of this assignment is to analyze the two articles that were given to us, in terms of whether or not they are using a scientific method and which of the two paradigms -constructivism/positivism- they are following. The first part of my assignment contains information about what is considered a “scientific method”. Afterwards follows an analysis on whether the two articles (“Criminal Behaviour in users of Psychoactive Substances Who Began Treatment”, “I just have to move on: Women’s coping experiences and reflections following their first year after primary breast cancer surgery”) are scientifically approved. Thence follows an interpretation on what is “constructivism”, “positivism” and in the end, an explanation concerning the two articles and which paradigm each of them follows.