Module 3: Research Paradigm and Epistemology

research paradigm

these are fundamental framework or worldview that guide how researcher

the nature of reality (ontology)

nature of

knowledge(epistemology)

the ways in which knowledge can be gained (methodology)

a research paradigm encompasses a set of beliefs and assumption about:

ontology

is a branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of being, existence or reality

ontology

in the context of research, __ adresses the question: "what is the nature of the reality that we are investigating?"

true

t or f

ontological assumption influence whether researcher see reality as objective and fixed(realism) or as multiple and constructed by individual perception (relativism)

realism

relativism

critical realism

what are the key ontological position?

realism

this posits that reality exist independently of our thoughts, belief and perception, in other words, there is a word "out there" that can be observed, measured and understood

relativism

this suggest that reality is subjective and can vary based on different perspective, context or cultural background

true

t or f

there is no single, objective reality; instead, multiple realities exist, shaped by individual experience and social construct

critical realism

this is a middle ground between relativism and realism

critical realism

this acknowledge that while reality exist independently of our perception, our understanding of it is always mediated by our senses, experience and social context

epistemology

is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature, scope and limitations of knowledge

epistemology

core components of research paradigm that addresses question like "how do we know what we know?"

epistemological belief

in qualitative research, this belief shapes how researcher think about the relationship between the knower and the known

objectivism

this is the belief that knowledge is objective and can be discovered through careful observation and measurements

objectivism

it assumes that the knower can stand apart from what is known, and that truths about the world can be revealed through empirical data

constructivism

this posits that knowledge is constructed by individual as they interact with the world

constructivism

according to this view, knowledge is not a minor of reality but rather a product of human activity and social interactions

constructivism

this is a study that explores how individuals construct meaning around life event, where the interaction between the researcher and participant is crucial to the knowledge produced

subjectivism

this argues that knowledge is subjective and is shaped by individual experience, emotions and perception

subjectivism

this belief often emphasize the importance of the researcher's perspective in the process of knowledge creation

pragmatism

is an epistemological approach that focus on the practical application of knowledge. it suggest that the value of knowledge lies in it's usefulness and applicability to real world problems, rather than in it's ability to represent an objective reality

false, they are not separate and they influence each other

t or f

ontology and Epistemology are separate, and they not influence each other and the entire research process

realism

this asserts thar reality exist independently of human perception

true

t or f

relativism posits that reality is subjectivism and varies between individuals

critical realism

this combines

aspects of realism and

relativism, acknowledging that

while a reality exists

independently, our

understanding is mediated by

social, cultural, and historical

contexts

objective reality

Reality

exists independently of the

observer.

multiple realities

Reality is

socially constructed and varies

across contexts.

​

practical reality

Reality is

interpreted through its practical

effects and applications.

​

qualitative method

relativism Emphasizes understanding the

subjective experiences of

individuals within their context.

empirical observation

realism often

relies on empirical observation

and experimentation to discover

reality.

​

mixed method

critical realism utilizes both

qualitative and quantitative

approaches to explore the

different layers of reality.

empirical methods

objectivism Uses

scientific methods to test

hypotheses and discover

objective facts

interpretative method

constructivist Uses

qualitative methods like

interviews and observations to

explore how individuals

construct their reality.

reflective method

subjectivist uses

methods that allow for

introspection and exploration of

personal experiences.

mixed methods

pragmatism uses any

method that effectively

addresses the research problem,

whether qualitative, quantitative,

or a combination of both

discovering law

Focuses on

discovering universal laws and

principles that govern reality

explaining mechanism

Seeks to understand the

underlying mechanisms that

shape observable phenomena.

understanding perspective

Aims to understand how

different people perceive and

construct their realities.

verification of facts

aims to verify and measure phenomena objectively

exploration of meaning

focus on exploring the meanings and interpretation individuals give to their experiences

problem solving

Aims to solve real-world

problems through practical and

applicable research

exploring subjectivity

Focuses on understanding

individual, subjective

experiences and perspectives

true

t or f

realism asset that there is a single, objective reality that can be understood through empirical observation

true

t or f

in relativism, there is no single objective reality and different people may perceive the same phenomenon differently

false, it accept

t or f

critical realism rejects that while there is an objective reality, our understanding of it is filtered through social historical lendes

false, it is discovered rather than constructed

t or f

objectivism assumes that knowledge is constructed rather than discovered

false, knowledge is co created by the researcher anf the participants

t or f

constructivist research emphasize that knowledge is created only by the researcher

false, its not pragmatism but subjectivist research

t or f

pragmatism is interested in the unique, individual experience of participants

subjectivism

this assumes that knowledge is internally generated and deeply personal, focusing on understanding personal experience from the viewpoint of the individual, without assuming any external validation of truth

true

t or f

Pragmatism is focused on

what works in practice

rather than philosophical

consistency