Research Paradigms & Philosophy: Positivism, Interpretivism and Pragmatism Explained (With Examples)

Summary

This video provides a clear overview of research philosophy and the three main paradigms: positivism, interpretivism, and pragmatism. It explains how these paradigms shape the approach to academic research, particularly in the social sciences. Positivism focuses on objective measurement and quantitative methods, interpretivism emphasizes understanding subjective experiences through qualitative research, and pragmatism blends both approaches to address practical research questions. The discussion underscores the importance of aligning research methodology with philosophical beliefs and objectives, making it essential viewing for students embarking on research projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding research philosophy is crucial for successfully undertaking academic research, especially in the social sciences.
• 📊 Research paradigms include positivism, interpretivism, and pragmatism, each with distinct philosophical underpinnings.
• 🔍 Positivism emphasizes objective observations and measurements, assuming an independent reality that can be quantified.
• 🧪 Research methodologies rooted in positivism often involve quantitative methods and experimental designs.
• 💬 Interpretivism views reality as socially constructed and subjective, focusing on the meanings individuals attribute to their experiences.
• 📝 Qualitative methodologies, like interviews and textual analysis, are common in interpretivist research to explore complex social phenomena.
• ⚖️ Pragmatism takes a flexible, practical approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to address diverse research questions.
• 🔗 The choice of research philosophy influences methodological decisions and the overall approach to a study.
• 🔄 Understanding the interaction between different paradigms can help researchers select appropriate methods for their aims.
• 🎓 The speaker encourages viewers to explore additional resources for deeper insights into research methodologies and offers coaching services for personalized guidance.

Q & A

What are the three most popular research paradigms discussed in the video?

The three most popular research paradigms discussed are positivism, interpretivism, and pragmatism.

How does the video define research philosophy?

Research philosophy refers to the set of beliefs, assumptions, and principles that underlie the way a researcher approaches their study.

What is the primary assumption of positivism?

Positivism assumes that knowledge can be obtained through objective observations and measurements, leading to the belief in an independent reality.

What types of methodologies are typically associated with positivism?

Positivism typically employs quantitative methodologies, often using experimental or quasi-experimental research designs.

Can you provide an example of a positivist study?

An example of a positivist study is a randomized control trial investigating the causal link between a dietary supplement and weight loss.

What distinguishes interpretivism from positivism?

Interpretivism distinguishes itself by asserting that reality is socially constructed and subjective, focusing on understanding individuals' experiences rather than objective measurements.

What kind of data collection methods are common in interpretivist research?

Common data collection methods in interpretivist research include qualitative techniques such as interviews, observations, and textual analysis.

How does pragmatism approach research methodology?

Pragmatism adopts a practical and flexible approach, allowing researchers to use both qualitative and quantitative methods based on the research questions and context.

What is an example of a study that uses a pragmatic approach?

An example of a pragmatic study is one that investigates a new teaching method by combining quantitative test results with qualitative interviews about student experiences.

Why is understanding research philosophy important for researchers?

Understanding research philosophy is important as it underpins the methodological decisions made throughout a study, influencing the research design and interpretation of findings.