Chapter 3: Paradigmatic Reflections and Theoretical Foundations

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to paradigms and their implications in qualitative research methods.

Paradigm

A preferred way of understanding reality, building knowledge, and gathering information about the world.

Ontology

The study of the nature of reality.

Epistemology

The study of the nature of knowledge and justified belief.

Axiology

The study of values and value judgments in research.

Methodology

The strategies and processes used for gathering, collecting, and analyzing data.

Verstehen

A German term meaning 'to understand,' referring to the interpretive approach of understanding social action from the actor's standpoint.

Positivism

A paradigm that assumes a single, true reality exists and is waiting to be discovered through observation and measurement.

Post-positivism

A paradigm that recognizes the partial understanding of reality by humans and accepts researcher biases.

Interpretivism

A paradigm that suggests reality is socially constructed through communication and individual experiences.

Critical paradigm

A research perspective that examines power relations and ideologies influencing cultural life.

Postmodernism

A paradigm that questions totalizing truths and emphasizes multiple and fragmented realities.

Hegemony

The social, cultural, ideological, or economic influence exerted by a dominant group.

Hermeneutics

A method of interpretation that seeks holistic understanding through context and empathy.

Triangulation

Using multiple types and sources of data to ensure research reliability and validity.

Crisis of representation

The idea that all meanings depend on their relations with other signs and representations, suggesting instability in knowledge.