Research Paradigms Notes

Importance of Beliefs

• Guide worldview.
• Frame perspective.
• Drive research paradigm.

Four Belief Orientations

• Axiology: Nature of ethics in research.
• Ontology: Nature of reality (truth).
• Epistemology: Nature of knowledge.
• Methodology: How to get to knowledge.

Postpositivism

• Axiology: Ethical obligation to conduct "good research", subject rights, Belmont report.
  • Benificence, Respect, Justice.
• Ontology: There is a reality; researcher's job is to find it.
• Epistemology: Biases guide observations; good research limits this threat.
• Methodology: Primarily Quantitative.

Constructivism

• Axiology: Similar to postpositivism.
• Ontology: Reality is socially constructed; no objective reality.
• Epistemology: Knowledge is jointly constructed.
• Methodology: Qualitative.

Transformative

• Axiology: Concern for participant rights/welfare.
• Ontology: No clear reality.
• Epistemology: Interactive relation focused on cultural implications.
• Methodology: Multiple strategies; focus on empowering oppressed groups.

Pragmatic

• Axiology: Ethical drive is to gain knowledge.
• Ontology: Focus on data, getting to the answer.
• Epistemology: Knowledge is gathered through data/research.
• Methodology: Whatever works to get the answer.

Research Steps

• Identify own worldview.
• Problem “sensing”.
• Lit review – research questions.
• Identify design.
• Identify and select data sources.
• Identify and select methods/materials.
• Analysis, reporting, utilization.
• Future directions.

Definitions

• Research: systematic inquiry to collect, analyze, interpret, and use data.
• Qualitative vs. Quantitative vs. Mixed Method.
• IV vs. DV.
• Predictor vs. Criterion variable.
• Experimental, Comparison, Control groups.
• Population vs. Sample.
• Generalizable vs. Transferable.