TLDR;
This video explains different research paradigms, which are templates of ontological, epistemological, axiological, and methodological assumptions that guide research projects. It covers positivism, interpretivism, transformative/critical positions, critical realism, decolonial/indigenous/post-colonial positions, and pragmatism. The video highlights the core beliefs, methodologies, and applications of each paradigm, offering a comprehensive overview of philosophical stances in research.
- Positivism focuses on objective, universal truths that can be discovered through scientific methods.
- Interpretivism emphasizes subjective experiences and the creation of reality through human understanding.
- Transformative research aims to empower people and critique societal injustices.
- Critical realism combines aspects of positivism and transformative research, acknowledging an external reality while critically examining observable phenomena.
- Decolonial positions challenge Euro-Western research frameworks and prioritize indigenous knowledge.
- Pragmatism focuses on practical solutions and combines methods from various worldviews to solve real-world problems.
Introduction to Research Paradigms [0:00]
The video introduces the concept of research paradigms as templates or combinations of ontological, epistemological, axiological, and methodological assumptions. These paradigms, also known as worldviews or general positions, provide a framework for research projects. The video aims to explore several key paradigms, including positivism, interpretivism, transformative positions, critical realism, decolonial positions, and pragmatism.
Positivism and Post-Positivism [2:55]
Positivism emphasizes objective truth and certainty, believing in an external reality that is universal and stable. This paradigm aligns with a realist or objectivist ontology, where truth is absolute and independent of individual perspectives. Axiologically, positivism promotes value-free science, minimizing the influence of feelings and ethics. Epistemologically, it relies on empiricism, gaining knowledge through observation and evidence. Quantitative methods are predominantly used to predict and measure relationships between variables. Post-positivism acknowledges the limitations of researchers and external influences, suggesting that while objective knowledge is difficult to achieve, it remains a goal.
Interpretivism and Constructionism [7:58]
Interpretivism posits that reality is created by humans and resides in subjective experiences, making it unique and internal to each individual. This paradigm values individual morals and empathetic research, recognizing the influence of personal value systems. Knowledge is interpreted rather than absolute, residing in the perceptions of those who hold it. Data collection occurs in natural settings through qualitative methods to understand human experiences. Constructionism, a related paradigm, focuses on how meaning is shared and negotiated, often examining how power relations in society influence the construction of reality.
Transformative or Critical Position [12:22]
The transformative paradigm aims to change society and empower people by addressing injustice and control. It operates from the perspective that reality is layered and socially constructed, influenced by human rights, justice, privilege, and power. Knowledge should lead to practical change by uncovering hidden aspects of reality from the participants' viewpoints. Axiologically, this paradigm values freedom from domination and social justice, viewing research as a moral, political, and ethical activity. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used, with a strong emphasis on including participants in the research process.
Critical Realism [15:18]
Critical realism combines aspects of positivism and transformative research, assuming an independent and external reality while critically examining observable phenomena. It views reality as stratified, with a surface level of observable events and a deeper level of causal structures and relations. Epistemologically, critical realism suggests that reality can only be known in part and imperfectly, requiring researchers to strive for objectivity while acknowledging the influence of their own backgrounds and beliefs. Methodologically, it involves a direct experience phase to measure observable things and a mental processing phase to uncover hidden aspects, using a variety of methods depending on the subject.
Decolonial, Indigenous, and Post-Colonial Positions [20:37]
These positions critique Euro-Western research frameworks, arguing they may not be applicable to other contexts and perpetuate colonial ways of thinking. Decoloniality seeks to counter the legacies of colonialism by rehumanizing the world and dismantling hierarchies. Ontologically, it recognizes multiple realities, including non-human beings and the spirit world, and emphasizes communal, relational, or collective perspectives. Epistemologically, it calls for unlearning and relearning, prioritizing indigenous ways of knowing and culturally based knowledge systems. Methodologically, it incorporates indigenous methods like storytelling, songs, proverbs, dance, myths, rituals, and talk circles.
Pragmatism [25:54]
Pragmatism focuses on practical solutions and actions, rather than fixed ideas about reality, knowledge, and values. It starts with a problem that needs solving, with reality mattering only insofar as it is relevant to the specific research project. Pragmatists are not committed to a specific belief about reality and can accept realist, relativist, or constructivist ontologies. Knowledge is valued for its ability to make the research project successful. Methodologically, pragmatism mixes and combines methods from various worldviews, valuing the functionality of research and its ability to predict, act, and solve real-world problems.
