Paradigm of Social Science: Positivism, Post Positivism, Constructivism, and Pragmatism

Summary

In this lecture on social science paradigms, the speaker explores key philosophical approaches: positivism, post-positivism, constructivism, and pragmatism. The session addresses foundational questions about knowledge, science, and social science, distinguishing between them and discussing how they relate to empirical research. The lecture emphasizes the role of ontology, epistemology, axiology, and methodology in shaping research. It also clarifies that social science is indeed a science, grounded in systematic data collection and analysis. The session encourages students to reflect on how different paradigms influence the understanding of societal phenomena and the methodologies used in social science research.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social science paradigms include positivism, post-positivism, constructivism, and pragmatism, each offering a different approach to understanding reality.
• 😀 Knowledge is culturally and personally shaped, while science is systematic, empirical, and based on data collection and analysis.
• 😀 Social science is considered a science because it uses empirical research methods like data collection, interviews, and observation.
• 😀 The distinction between knowledge and science lies in methodology and generalization. Science focuses on generalizing findings based on systematic research.
• 😀 Social science is a wide field, encompassing disciplines like anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science, all focusing on human society and relationships.
• 😀 Paradigms in social science are influenced by four key components: ontology (the nature of reality), epistemology (how we understand reality), axiology (what to do with knowledge), and methodology (the methods used to collect data).
• 😀 Positivism asserts that reality is objective and uses quantitative methods, such as surveys and experiments, to understand it.
• 😀 Post-positivism suggests that reality is not entirely objective and requires a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to understand it fully.
• 😀 Constructivism emphasizes that reality is socially constructed and that people's understanding of it is influenced by societal views and contexts.
• 😀 Pragmatism focuses on solving real-world problems, prioritizing practical solutions over theoretical truths and using any method that works to address issues.
• 😀 Social science paradigms, such as constructivism, show how perceptions of reality can differ based on societal influences, like the case of palm oil's environmental impact being perceived differently across platforms.
• 😀 The lecturer encourages students to reflect on key questions related to knowledge, science, and the nature of social science in order to deepen their understanding of social scientific methods.

Q & A

What are the main paradigms discussed in the lecture?

The main paradigms discussed in the lecture are positivism, post-positivism, constructivism, and pragmatism. Each of these paradigms offers a different approach to understanding social phenomena.

How does the lecturer differentiate between knowledge and science?

The lecturer differentiates knowledge and science by stating that science is based on systematic research, observation, and data analysis to generalize conclusions about phenomena. Knowledge, on the other hand, can be derived from personal experience and cultural traditions and may differ from place to place.

What is the definition of social science, according to the lecturer?

Social science is described as a wide range of academic disciplines that study human society and relationships. It includes fields like anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, and political science, with an emphasis on understanding societal issues, governance, and cultural norms.

Is social science considered a science? Why or why not?

Yes, social science is considered a science because it employs empirical methods such as data collection, observation, and analysis to study social phenomena. This aligns it with the scientific method used in natural sciences.

What is the concept of paradigms in social science?

Paradigms in social science refer to different worldviews or approaches through which researchers understand phenomena. Paradigms are shaped by factors like ontology, epistemology, methodology, and axiology, and they influence how reality is understood and studied.

How does positivism approach the study of reality?

Positivism holds that reality is objective and can be understood through systematic, quantitative observation. Researchers must maintain objectivity and distance themselves from the phenomenon they study to avoid bias, using tools like surveys, statistical analysis, and experiments.

What is the main difference between positivism and post-positivism?

While positivism seeks objective understanding of reality through quantitative methods, post-positivism believes that reality is more complex and cannot be fully understood through one approach. Post-positivism advocates for a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data to better grasp the full scope of reality.

What does constructivism say about reality?

Constructivism suggests that reality is not objective but is constructed by society. It emphasizes that perceptions of reality are shaped by social contexts, and what is considered 'truth' can vary based on individual or collective interpretations.

How does pragmatism differ from the other paradigms discussed?

Pragmatism focuses less on finding objective truth and more on finding practical solutions to real-world problems. It prioritizes what works in solving issues, such as poverty, and emphasizes using multiple approaches to understand and address these issues.

What is the role of axiology in social science paradigms?

Axiology deals with questions about ethics and values. In social science paradigms, it addresses what should be done after understanding a phenomenon, such as whether to advocate for change or how to approach the issues with ethical considerations.