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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

PART 1: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESEARCH APPROACHES & RESEARCH PARADIGMS

Introduction

In the article, Research Methods vs. Research Methodology, we differentiated these two terms that confuse many students. In simple terms, research methodology is an explanation of the research methods, while research methods are the techniques used to answer the research questions. Research methodology encompasses the following:

  1. Research Approach – Quantitative, Qualitative, Multi or Mixed???
  2. Research Designs – plan to address the approach
  3. Population, Sample Size and Sampling Procedures/Techniques
  4. Methods of Data Collection – Development, administration in terms of when and how data will be collected (Data Collection Procedure), piloted, determining validity and reliability
  5. Methods of Data Analysis – Statistical, Inductive or both????

This blog will focus on research approaches.

The beliefs and assumptions (philosophical frameworks) that a researcher holds determine how she/he will conduct research; i.e., they determine the research approach the researcher will employ to answer the research problem. Therefore, a research approach is a strategic plan for answering research questions through data collection and analysis. An approach gives a strategic direction.

This therefore means that the research approach is determined by the philosophical assumptions of each of the research paradigm/research philosophies. There are mainly four research paradigms that give rise to four approaches to research:

  1. Positivism/post-positivists – Quantitative research approach
  2. Interpretivism / social-constructivism – Qualitative research approach
  3. Emancipatory – multi-method research approach (both quantitative and qualitative)
  4. Pragmatism – mixed-methods research approach (a combination of quantitative and qualitative research)

What is a research paradigm?

A research paradigm is a set of philosophical assumptions and beliefs that guides how a researcher understands reality, determines what counts as knowledge, and decides how knowledge should be investigated. According to Creswell, a paradigm is a set of beliefs or philosophical assumptions that guide researchers when conducting a study (Creswell, 1998). In simpler language, a research paradigm is the way a researcher thinks about the world and how the world can be studied.

Research paradigms can also be referred to as worldview assumptions.

Paradigms emerged from two opposing views about the nature of knowledge (Epistemology), the role of values (Axiology), and the nature of reality (Ontology). Therefore, paradigms are grouped based on their philosophical frameworks defined by the assumptions they make about the nature of knowledge, the nature of reality, and the nature and role of values.

Consider a simple example. A university lecturer wants to understand why students perform poorly in Research Methods.

Different researchers might approach the same problem differently:

  1. One researcher measures students’ examination scores and tests whether the number of hours spent studying is associated with performance in the Research Methods course.
  2. Another may interview students to understand why they find the Research Methods course difficult.
  3. The third one may investigate whether the teaching methods, institutional arrangements, or inequalities in educational opportunities has an influence on the performance of the Research Methods course
  4. The fourth may combine examination scores, use questionnaires and interview guides to develop a more complete understanding of the problem.

These researchers are investigating the same broad issue, but they may have different philosophical assumptions, purposes and approaches to evidence. Understanding research paradigms helps students explain why they choose a particular research approach rather than simply stating what methods they intend to use.

Four important philosophical questions behind research paradigms

To understand research paradigms properly, students should first understand four concepts.

  1. Ontology: What is reality?

Ontology concerns what exists and the nature of reality. Ontology refers to a branch of philosophy concerned with articulating the nature of reality and what can be known about it; “the assumptions researchers have about the way the world operates and the commitment held to a particular view’ (Saunders et. al., 2007, pp. 110).

Ontology shapes the choice of what to study based on how we view the phenomena and/or the world around it. For Instance, how can we study the concept of academic performance? Does academic performance represent an objectively measurable outcome, or does an in-depth understanding of what it means involve more than just an outcome? Do students’ experiences, values, and social context affect academic performance?

  • Epistemology: How can we know what is true?

An epistemological issue concerns itself with the question of what is (or should be) regarded as acceptable knowledge in a discipline (Bryman,2004).  Epistemology refers to the nature of the relationship between the researcher (the knower) and the researched

Epistemology concerns itself with the relationship between the researcher and the knowledge being investigated. For example, can we learn about student performance by measuring examination scores, or must we also understand students’ own explanations of their learning experiences?

  • Axiology – How does the researcher deal with their bias?

Axiology refers to the nature and role of values (what is worth/good) within the research process. Axiological assumptions concern themselves with how researchers deal with their own values and those of their respondents. Questions of ethics and bias are part of Axiology. Methods of data collection speak to the values the researcher holds regarding their personal interaction with the respondents. Using a questionnaire may mean that the research does not value personal interaction, while the reverse is true for one using an interview.

  • Methodology & Methods to use: How should we investigate the issue?

Methodology refers to the overall logic, strategy, and rationale for conducting the research. Refer to this blog for a detailed explanation of research methodology and research methods: https://researchmethodsclass.com/research-methodology-vs-research-methods/

These four concepts are related, but they are not interchangeable. For instance, a questionnaire is a method, quantitative research is an approach, and positivism is a philosophical paradigm commonly associated with quantitative research. An explanation of all these is research methodology.

A useful way to remember the distinction is:

  1. Paradigm: How do I understand knowledge and reality?
  2. Approach: What broad strategy will I use to investigate the problem?
  3. Methodology: Why is that strategy appropriate?
  4. Methods: What specific tools will I use?