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Think of yourself as an intrepid explorer with only a compass and a map exploring the unknown. Now, imagine that the compass is your research paradigm, guiding you through the labyrinth of knowledge, and the map represents the various methodologies at your disposal. Sounds intriguing, No?

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Well, buckle up because we're about to embark on a fascinating journey of exploring the world of research paradigms!

In this article, we will unfold the mysteries of research paradigms and how they can provide a strong foundation for your research endeavours.

What is Paradigm in Research?

A research paradigm can be defined as a distinctive framework encompassing a set of beliefs, values, and techniques shared by research community members. These paradigms serve as vital compasses, guiding researchers in their quest for knowledge and shaping their interpretations of empirical data. According to Wikipedia, it is a theoretical framework that underpins the entire research process, including the choice of research questions, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. By understanding the meaning and implications of research paradigms, scholars can navigate the intricacies of their inquiries with greater clarity and precision.

Types of Research Paradigms

●       quantitative research paradigm.

A systematic investigation employs numerical data to identify and analyze patterns, relationships, and trends among variables.

Key Features of Quantitative Research

  • Structured data collection
  • Statistical analysis
  • Hypothesis testing
  • Objectivity and generalizability
  • Experimental design

●       Qualitative Research Paradigm

Research Paradigm Example for Qualitative: An ethnographer immerses themselves within a community to explore the group's cultural nuances and social dynamics.

Key Features of Qualitative Research: Qualitative research delves into the subjective experiences, perceptions, and meanings individuals ascribe to their lived realities. This paradigm utilizes in-depth interviews, observations, and narrative analysis to uncover the rich tapestry of human experiences.

●       Theoretical Paradigm in Research

Theoretical Paradigm in Research Example : A sociologist utilizes critical race theory to analyze the impact of systemic racism on educational access and equity.

Role of Theory in Shaping Research Paradigms: Theory plays a vital role in shaping research paradigms by providing the conceptual framework, guiding research questions, and influencing methodology choices, ultimately impacting the interpretation of study outcomes.

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The paradigm of the study in research.

The paradigm of the study in research is the fundamental framework guiding the research process. It encompasses the researcher's beliefs, theories, and approaches, shaping the research questions , methodology, and interpretation of results.

Some common examples of paradigms of the study in research include positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism, and critical theory.

However, choosing the right paradigm for the study example ensures its validity and relevance, enabling researchers to explore their topic thoroughly. With a proper understanding of the paradigm, you can provide meaningful insights and see things from a bigger perspective.

How to Make Research Paradigm Research Paradigms: Steps to Creating Them

  • Identify the research question.
  • Create a questionnaire around the topic.
  • Select the appropriate paradigm.
  • Choose a research paradigm that aligns with your objectives.
  • Outline relevant theoretical frameworks or models
  • Identify the underlying philosophical perspectives

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Step-by-Step Guide How to Write Research Paradigm Effectively

  • Articulate the Rationale

Begin by explaining the reasons for choosing the specific paradigm and how it aligns with the research objectives.

  • Describe the Research Methods:

Detail the research methods from the chosen paradigm, such as data collection techniques, analysis methods, and study design.

  • Provide Examples:

Provide practical examples of how the selected paradigm will inform your research approach and outcomes.

  • Be Clear and Concise:

Ensure your writing is easy to understand, jargon-free, and void of unnecessary information. Clearly articulate the rationale for the chosen paradigm, demonstrate its alignment with the study objectives, and highlight the specific research methods that stem from it.

Example of Research Paradigm in Thesis

Research Writing 101: A Guide on How to Write A Strong Hypothesis for a Research

Researchers might use interpretivism in a study about social media's effect on mental health. This approach focuses on understanding people's personal experiences and thoughts. They could use interviews and group discussions to gather information and then analyze the findings by themes. This method recognizes that people's realities are shaped by society, and everyone has different viewpoints. Interpretivism helps researchers understand how individuals feel about social media and mental health .

Research Paradigm Example with Explanation

A research paradigm is a theoretical framework that guides researchers in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.

How to Restating Your Thesis: A Beginner’s Guide & Examples

Here are three common paradigm research examples:

1.     Positivism

Positivism is a way of knowing things that believes there's one real truth outside human opinions. It supports using science, numbers, and facts to understand how things work. Positivists try to find cause-and-effect relationships and make reliable predictions based on real information.

2.     Constructivism

Constructivism is a way of thinking that believes reality is created from personal experiences and social interactions. This idea highlights that it's important to understand the detailed meanings people give to their experiences to make sense of the complex human world.

3.     Pragmatism

A flexible way of thinking avoids strict rules and set methods. By supporting adaptability, practical thinkers combine different ways to solve specific problems. They use numbers and personal experiences in their research, focusing on useful evidence that helps make smart choices and deal with real-life issues.

In the end, understanding the basics of research paradigms is crucial for any researcher to conduct meaningful and rigorous scientific inquiry. The paradigm of the study in research shapes a researcher's approach to knowledge production, guiding their choice of methodology and data analysis.

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An Introduction to Research Paradigms: Understanding the Basics

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The Four Types of Research Paradigms: A Comprehensive Guide

The Four Types of Research Paradigms: A Comprehensive Guide

5-minute read

  • 22nd January 2023

In this guide, you’ll learn all about the four research paradigms and how to choose the right one for your research.

Introduction to Research Paradigms

A paradigm is a system of beliefs, ideas, values, or habits that form the basis for a way of thinking about the world. Therefore, a research paradigm is an approach, model, or framework from which to conduct research. The research paradigm helps you to form a research philosophy, which in turn informs your research methodology.

Your research methodology is essentially the “how” of your research – how you design your study to not only accomplish your research’s aims and objectives but also to ensure your results are reliable and valid. Choosing the correct research paradigm is crucial because it provides a logical structure for conducting your research and improves the quality of your work, assuming it’s followed correctly.

Three Pillars: Ontology, Epistemology, and Methodology

Before we jump into the four types of research paradigms, we need to consider the three pillars of a research paradigm.

Ontology addresses the question, “What is reality?” It’s the study of being. This pillar is about finding out what you seek to research. What do you aim to examine?

Epistemology is the study of knowledge. It asks, “How is knowledge gathered and from what sources?”

Methodology involves the system in which you choose to investigate, measure, and analyze your research’s aims and objectives. It answers the “how” questions.

Let’s now take a look at the different research paradigms.

1.   Positivist Research Paradigm

The positivist research paradigm assumes that there is one objective reality, and people can know this reality and accurately describe and explain it. Positivists rely on their observations through their senses to gain knowledge of their surroundings.

In this singular objective reality, researchers can compare their claims and ascertain the truth. This means researchers are limited to data collection and interpretations from an objective viewpoint. As a result, positivists usually use quantitative methodologies in their research (e.g., statistics, social surveys, and structured questionnaires).

This research paradigm is mostly used in natural sciences, physical sciences, or whenever large sample sizes are being used.

2.   Interpretivist Research Paradigm

Interpretivists believe that different people in society experience and understand reality in different ways – while there may be only “one” reality, everyone interprets it according to their own view. They also believe that all research is influenced and shaped by researchers’ worldviews and theories.

As a result, interpretivists use qualitative methods and techniques to conduct their research. This includes interviews, focus groups, observations of a phenomenon, or collecting documentation on a phenomenon (e.g., newspaper articles, reports, or information from websites).

3.   Critical Theory Research Paradigm

The critical theory paradigm asserts that social science can never be 100% objective or value-free. This paradigm is focused on enacting social change through scientific investigation. Critical theorists question knowledge and procedures and acknowledge how power is used (or abused) in the phenomena or systems they’re investigating.

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Researchers using this paradigm are more often than not aiming to create a more just, egalitarian society in which individual and collective freedoms are secure. Both quantitative and qualitative methods can be used with this paradigm.

4.   Constructivist Research Paradigm

Constructivism asserts that reality is a construct of our minds ; therefore, reality is subjective. Constructivists believe that all knowledge comes from our experiences and reflections on those experiences and oppose the idea that there is a single methodology to generate knowledge.

This paradigm is mostly associated with qualitative research approaches due to its focus on experiences and subjectivity. The researcher focuses on participants’ experiences as well as their own.

Choosing the Right Research Paradigm for Your Study

Once you have a comprehensive understanding of each paradigm, you’re faced with a big question: which paradigm should you choose? The answer to this will set the course of your research and determine its success, findings, and results.

To start, you need to identify your research problem, research objectives , and hypothesis . This will help you to establish what you want to accomplish or understand from your research and the path you need to take to achieve this.

You can begin this process by asking yourself some questions:

  • What is the nature of your research problem (i.e., quantitative or qualitative)?
  • How can you acquire the knowledge you need and communicate it to others? For example, is this knowledge already available in other forms (e.g., documents) and do you need to gain it by gathering or observing other people’s experiences or by experiencing it personally?
  • What is the nature of the reality that you want to study? Is it objective or subjective?

Depending on the problem and objective, other questions may arise during this process that lead you to a suitable paradigm. Ultimately, you must be able to state, explain, and justify the research paradigm you select for your research and be prepared to include this in your dissertation’s methodology and design section.

Using Two Paradigms

If the nature of your research problem and objectives involves both quantitative and qualitative aspects, then you might consider using two paradigms or a mixed methods approach . In this, one paradigm is used to frame the qualitative aspects of the study and another for the quantitative aspects. This is acceptable, although you will be tasked with explaining your rationale for using both of these paradigms in your research.

Choosing the right research paradigm for your research can seem like an insurmountable task. It requires you to:

●  Have a comprehensive understanding of the paradigms,

●  Identify your research problem, objectives, and hypothesis, and

●  Be able to state, explain, and justify the paradigm you select in your methodology and design section.

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The research paradigm – methodology, epistemology and ontology – explained in simple language

Published July 15, 2015 by Salma Patel

how to write research paradigm in thesis

I have put together this post to explain what a research paradigm is, which includes ontology, epistemology, theoretical framework and methodology, and why it is important for your research or PhD. It took me a while to understand this properly, and below is a summary of my understanding of the topic, which I hope will help you. I suggest you go easy on yourself (I was pulling my hair out on the second day). I would also love to be corrected if anything below is wrong (though as you are aware, there are so many disagreements amongst philosophers and epistemologists – there is no one right answer!). So, let’s get started …

[This post is also available to read in Arabic here .]

What is a research paradigm?

According to Guba (1990), research paradigms can be characterised through their:A research paradigm is “the set of common beliefs and agreements shared between scientists about how problems should be understood and addressed” (Kuhn, 1962)

  • ontology  – What is reality?
  • epistemology  – How do you know something?
  • methodology  – How do you go about finding it out?

The diagram below explains the above terms and the relationship between them:

If the above still doesn’t make things clear, don’t worry. I would now recommend you watch this video which explains the above in very simple terms, and explains the two major paradigms: positivism and constructivism.

Why is it important?

Your ontology and epistemology create a holistic view of how knowledge is viewed and how we can see ourselves in relation to this knowledge, and the methodological strategies we use to un/discover it. Awareness of philosophical assumptions will increase quality of research and can contribute to the creativity of the researcher. Furthermore, you will be asked about it in your viva and are expected to narrate it when you write up your research findings.

Which research paradigm does my research belong to?

In really simple terms, the three most common paradigms are explained below (and are shown in this epistemology diagram too, taken from here ):

  • Positivists believe that there is a single reality, which can be measured and known, and therefore they are more likely to use quantitative methods to measure and this reality.
  • Constructivists believe that there is no single reality or truth, and therefore reality needs to be interpreted, and therefore they are more likely to use qualitative methods to get those multiple realities.
  • Pragmatists believe that reality is constantly renegotiated, debated, interpreted, and therefore the best method to use is the one that solves the problem

The table below (which I created) gives a more detailed overview of each paradigm (and contains subjectivism and critical too), and your own research paradigm could very well sit in between one of the paradigms. You could use a top down or a bottom up approach (Rebecca explains here ) to decide where your research sits. In a bottom up approach, you decide on your research question, then you decide which methods, methodology, theoretical perspective you will approach your research from. In reality, I believe its probably neither strictly a top down or bottom up approach, you probably go back and forth till you find the right fit. I believe each research project would have a different research paradigm and hence a different theoretical perspective.

research Paradigm

Table adapted from various sources, including Crotty (1998). Crotty left ontology out of his framework, and also didn’t include Pragmatism and Critical. But the assumptions underlying every piece of research are both ontological and epistemological.

Where does most social science research sit?

“1. Experimental (Positivist), with a more realist ontology (i.e. reality is out there), with an empiricist epistemology (i.e. and I’ll gather sense data to find it);

2. Postmodernist constructivism, with a less realist ontology (i.e. reality is just a load of competing claims), and a constructivist epistemology (i.e. and I’ll analyse those competing accounts to explore it)

Applied, then to social psychology, it is important to understand the tension, throughout its history, between:

1. A more traditional experimental (quantitative) approach, which sees social reality as a set of facts to be known for all time by measuring people in the laboratory;

2. A more critical, discursive (qualitative) approach, which sees social reality as mutually constructed between people in the real world.”

However, I must add that pragmatism (and hence mixed methods research) is also being increasingly used in social sciences.

What impact will my chosen paradigm have on my research?

It will have a huge impact. Let me give you an example of an interview based research that is constructivist:

“So as GP trainers, constructivism means that to understand our trainees and their learning, beliefs or behaviours we have to be aware of their experience and culture (the historical and cultural contexts) and recognise that they don’t just potentially see the world differently to us, but experience it differently too.” Source.

Useful reading and references

Texts I found useful:

Crotty, M., 1998. Foundations of social research: Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process. p.256.

Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. and Jackson, P.R., 2012. Management Research . [online] SAGE Publications. Available at: <https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/Management_Research.html?id=ahbhMb-R7MQC&pgis=1> [Accessed 14 Jul. 2015].

Scotland, J., 2012. Exploring the philosophical underpinnings of research: Relating ontology and epistemology to the methodology and methods of the scientific, interpretive, and critical research paradigms. English Language Teaching , 5(9), pp.9–16.

Blog posts that were useful:

http://doctoralstudy.blogspot.co.uk/2009/05/being-clear-about-methodology-ontology.html?m=1

http://eddiechauncy.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/what-are-ontology-and-epistemology_12.html

https://www.academia.edu/12235888/Developing_an_Appreciative_Understanding_of_Epistemologies_in_Educational_Research_One_Bloggers_Journey 

Useful video:

Assumptions of researchers:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gONyWHpSSWc

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Published in Research Research Research Methods

  • epistemology
  • research methods
  • research paradigm

147 Comments

Changing direction a little … | Salma Patel

[…] other news, my post on The Research Paradigm has proved to be very popular (1,372 views so far!) and received a lot of praise from researchers, […]

Nasrullah Anwar

Jazakamullah Khair

Vuyiswa

Thank so much. I have been struggling with the research terminology. This is now so clear. Help me now understand the difference between a conceptual framework and theoretical framework.

Vana

Very very useful article, thank you. Is this the correct way to cite in APA? Patel, S. (2015). The research paradigm – methodology, epistemology and ontology – explained in simple language. Retrieved from https://salmapatel.co.uk/academia/the-research-paradigm-methodology-epistemology-and-ontology-explained-in-simple-language/

Salma Patel

Thanks Vana, I’m pleased to hear it was useful. I think that looks fine.

Anthony

Thanks a million brother Salma Patel. A scholastic, helpful post that made me understand the subject crystal clear. God bless you.

You’re very welcome Anthony, I’m glad it was helpful!

#SRDW2016 – reflecting on what I want to be when I grow up | online social scholar

[…] (method), however always theorise while I “do”. On pondering this I came across a blog by Salma Patel which had a summary table that helped with some of my reflection. My drawing reflects me (the […]

Sandra

Oh my gosh, this is amazing. And so, so helpful. Thank you for making it so clear. That table alone is worth a million bucks. THANK YOU! You’re amazing.

Tuluiga Maka

Thank you so much for the knowledge you shared for us who are working on research as I was confused about these long words but the explanation provided for each word and their meaning, enlightening myself in research terminology for words like epistemology, ontology, and many more. Thanks again and God bless .

lauren

Thanks Salma This is very helpful, clearly laid out information. it helped with my assignment.

Hi Lauren, Thank you for your comment. I am very pleased to hear it was useful for your assignment. Best wishes, Salma

Kopinath

What an excellent explanation you have given brother.. It is really useful for my thesis works. Decided to keep in touch with your site… Thanks

khalid

in research conducts , how important is it to consider the relationships between research paradigms, approaches, and methods? need an clarification

Rowley Moore

Many thanks Salma. I’ve just begun my journey in doctorate research and the biggest learning curve so far is simply understanding academic language. Your explanation has made it all that much simpler. Brilliant – thank you!!

Thanks Rowley, I’m pleased to hear it was useful. Best wishes, Salma

Bernice Lawrence

I re-read this information, and now I am now certain that I am locating my research in the correct paradigm of Pragmatism. So I am also using genealogy, which is part critical. Therefore, mixed methods.

Krishna S. Khaitu

Dear Salma, I found it very useful and learn lots out of it. Thank you for sharing.

Shahida

I have been pulling my hair out! Thank you for your explanation at least I can attempt my assignment

very informative. Thank you Salma. I have been really pulling my hair out. Now I can attempt my assignment.

Siyanda Khuzwayo

Thank you so much for your sharing such an informative information, it was very helpful for me.

Research Basics – Cynthia's Website

[…] The research paradigm – methodology, epistemology and ontology – explained in simple language […]

Lucy

I Love charts. This is so ridiculously helpful of you. Very generous.

Emma Parker

Brilliant! Felt like I was a little lost until I came across your page. Thanks for your hard work!

Hani Sophea

Alhamdulillah. A very useful review. Shared. JazakAllah Khair Kathira.

John M Shaetonhodi

Absolutely useful guidelines as I embark on my doctoral journey. I am busy with my research proposal and your post has come in handy and is helping me clarify my research methodology. Many thanks Salma.

Georgina Martin

thanks very much this has being of good help.

ISMAEL HUSSEIN

mashalla brelient assumption JZ KL

moni

this is amazing!!!! I actually understand it!! this should be in text books, books and everything ! amazing amazing amazing !!!

Aleksandra

What a great article and video! It was extremely helpful! I was reading the whole day a lot of shitty articles about the philosophy of research and couldn’t interpret it according to my research. Holistic and very useful materials. Thanks a lot!

Nusrat Jahan

Thank you so much.. very useful for research.

Gabby

Very useful, BIG thank you from UK.

Luis

Just wanna say thanks for the explicit / definitive explanation!! An exampler of a best teacher!

Abel

This is very helpful, thanks

Osa

I must confess that this post helped to lift the burden of understanding this process few hours to the before submission of my Mphil-PhD transfer report. This is absolutely resourceful Patel. Presented in such a manner that a layman can understand this process. Thanks once again as you have just saved a brother.

Nick Williams

Thanks for this article and the youtube video. Breaking the concepts down as you have done has really helped grasp these concepts as I commence my PhD studies. Great job!

Dennis Kipkirui

Thanks Patel.The work is superb.It has assisted me great deal.May be if you have PDF versions of Ontology, Epistemology and Methodology, you can assist me to use in my Masters degree.

Shilmoni Moktan

Great site to make sense of big words in simple terms. Thank you for the insight and simplicity of approach.

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments. I am truly pleased to hear this article has been useful to so many of you! Wishing you all the best with your research endeavors.

noel hasha

Thanks Salma, this was helpful, easy to understand and interesting above all. The presentation simplifies everything about research. Thanks so much

Barde John iyam

I really appreciate your great effort for helping students who have been facing challenge with research.

Babangida Y. Tanko

You have lucidly and successfully explain the technical terms to the novice

helubi

Can you use the ontology and epistemology at the same time in the dissertation? Example say ontology of power is socially constructed and my epistemology to explain power is what?

You would normally make reference to both Ontology and Epistemology in the thesis. I am not sure if the example you have given is correct though.

Best wishes, Salma

Ontology is let say What is AIDS and epistemology is finding how you find AIDS? So ontology is a topic and epistemology finding how you arrive with the knowledge. Ontology can be positivist or non-positivist, subjective and objective.

Njioh serge

Grt work man. Learnt a lot from ur simple explanations Thanks n keep up

Mrs Bilal Khan

Thanks for information.. it’s really good and very helpful for me to complete my assignment and also for my exams.

Hastings Tembeta

This has been very helpful. thanks a million

persange

Very useful, You made this so simple. Well done and thanks for relieving me of some of the stress.

Tariq

Hi . if anyone can guide. Can i only use the quantitative research approach while following the pragmatism paradigm

Yes Tariq, I don’t see why not. Salma

hermon berhane Ogbamichael

Thank you so much Salma. Brilliant explanation. From South Africa / Eritrea.

Natalie

Thanks very much for this – after reading many text books and articles and still feeling lost, this was super helpful!! One thing that i’m still not sure on though is where it is best to include your epistemological stance in the dissertation? Is it in the Analysis part of your methods? Or is it in Design as it is supposed to influence your whole study? I haven’t ever seen anyone reporting it in a journal article before so don’t have any insight into this, yet we are expected to include it ‘somewhere’. Any recommendations or thoughts would be much appreciated!

Hi Natalie, I have usually seen it reported in the methodology chapter – that is also where I placed mine. I hope that helps. Best wishes, Salma

Naomi

This is amazing, thank you so much – I’ve been trying to get my head around this for months and you’ve done such a great job of explaining it in ways that are easily understood. Why aren’t you my lecturer haha :'(

BANNASCO FRANCIS AMPONG-ANSAH

Your information is very useful. I have really enjoyed reading it. I have little understanding of ontoloy and epistemology now

MARIEL MAHILUM

Hello,thank you so much saima,i am very happy that i found it the meaning of research paradigm.i have many learn about methodology and also thank you that you are sharing your knowledge with us. God bless you saima patel!!!!

Cindy

Wow, thank you so much for making this clear. It will certainly help with my assignment.

Thank you for sharing, this has been so helpful for my understanding of the different paradigms.

Minda Girma

Thank you for helping us to know critical things in precise ;concise; and simple manner. honestly speaking it is crucial and insightful in doing of my assignment and i owed to acknowledges you ideas dully. How ever, I would like forward one question for you.Is there an instance in which two or more research paradigm may likely included in single research?

Fitri

Hi, Thank you so much for this. However. I would like to ask something: is it possible to conduct a phenomenological research with a deductive analysis? Thank you very much.

Aimee Davis

Thank you so much. Your comments really helped with my assignment in understanding ontology & epistemology

Conducting Research in the English Language | BroadyELT

[…] What Paradigms are there?  Read The research paradigm – methodology, epistemology and ontology – explained in simple language at https://salmapatel.co.uk/academia/the-research-paradigm-methodology-epistemology-and-ontology-explain… […]

Sarah L

Thank you so much for creating this post Salma! I struggled with these concepts during undergrad, now that I’m completing my masters I had to get to grips with them, this post helped a lot and so did your recommendations for further reading 🙂

Reaksmey Lorn

Thank you so much brother! Your article has helped me a lot in my thesis review.

Mr Adnan

Thanks so much salma for sharing the very useful information. I appreciate you. I have more learn about various types of research paradigm. Best of luck. Again thanks for sharing us. Stay blessed

J Nayak

you page saved my time and reading , well analyzed document

Sophia

This is amazing. You really simplified it to a point where it’s understandable yet sticks to the core of what it is. Huge props.

Kristina T. Subido

Dr. P, thank you so much for this explanation! I haven’t explored the rest of your blog but just this one has been so helpful. Glad to know I have some place to go to for clarity 🙂

Claudio kisake

i really appreciate your work, for me, knowingly that I am a young scholar, your work is going to be my motivational device to get puberty academically

Willie

This was good and helpful,,,i was about to begin pulling my hair out. Thank you

CeeB

I came to this post seeking information to address an article reviewer’s request to restructure a methodology section that directly contrasted with the second reviewers’ request for the same article. this is not the first time this has happened. I wish all reviewers would read your article it is useful and clear. I certainly will keep it in mind for my own future reviews. Thanks.

Simon John Williams

Hi, thanks for the information. I have a question that maybe you or someone can help me with. If symbolic interactionism is influenced by pragmatism, how did it end up being a interpretist theoretical perspective? I get that pragmatism states to use the best methods possible, but is there any more information on this? Many thanks in advance

Emily

Thank you. This is a clear, logical post that provides explanation in an easily accessible fashion.

Imane BOUFADEN

Many thanks Salma, that ‘s really helps clearing up lots of confusions and same me much more time.

Cleopatra James

Truly appreciate this information, it could not have been any clearer,

Rachel Farrell

This is brilliant. I am currently writing my Methods chapter and was struggling to understand a lot of the philosophical underpinnings piece. What you have provided here is very clear and comprehensive. Thank you for sharing.

Sue Dawson

I just wanted to say Thank you! Finally, someone who can explain all the jargon simply. I am so much better equipped both in my personal studies and in my academic career. Best wishes.

Ontology and Epistemology – RES701 Journal

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Becca W

Salma, I have shared this with many researchers and students and keep coming back to it. It is really an invaluable post and you have done the academic community a great service in sharing it. Just wanting to say thank you. x

Thanks you Becca, that’s very kind! Best wishes, Salma

Aleck Hama

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE CONTRIBUTION. JUST A REQUEST FOR A MORE ELABORATE AND PRECISE DISTINCTION BETWEEN A METHOD AND A METHODOLOGY. THANK YOU

amina ashraf

That was extremely helpful. your explanation, and the videos you have linked to. It is just so good!

nikita

Great help for my dissertation thanks!!!

Paradigms: Knowing the ‘Why’ in Research Methods (Lent Term 2018) – Pedagogeek Thinking

[…] does a superior job of explaining this in layperson terms is Salma Patel, whom I’m putting up right here. To further entice you to read her post, here’s a neat image she adapted from secondary […]

Mary Harrison

thank you thank you – even pronouncing the words was a task in itself but your simple guidelines enabled an understanding and have formed good foundation to build upon.

Jennifer VanHoesen

I am a PhD candidate and return to this page time and again. Thank you for putting it together. It’s been a tremendous help.

Surendra Parajuli

Thank you for this very useful information. Please anyone, help me to understand that, where is the definition of Paradigm mentioned in the book of Kuhn 1962.

Priscilla Ramirez

Salma, Thank you so much for your time, effort and sharing your knowledge. Your website is invaluable and has really helped me feel confident about starting my thesis, after feeling completely lost and hopeless. you are a genius!

Nokuthula

thank you so much Patel i benefited a lot I was confused of the methodological approach and the interpretative if still apply in qualitative

More than we know – education as/is a mirror

[…] at the back of my mind. Ideally I should be able to clearly articulate to others what my research paradigm is, though I often find myself oscillating between different poles depending on the day of the […]

Sesha

Thank you so much. Really helped.

Noel

Very useful to me as a newbie.Thank you so much Mr Salma Patel.

noel jailo

its very clear and simple to understood

Jamal

A well written article on the paradigms of research in social science. I found many insights regarding the topic. The tabular form is much interesting and comprehensive. thanks for sharing such information on one of the important aspects of conducting research in social science

Kizito

Thanks so much for this. Its simply awesome

radha

a vivid explaination (i was so confused) thank you maam

Ontology and Epistemology – Research Method

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Sharon

This has been fantastic and has saved me from losing my mind. The detail is clear, simple and understandable. I thank you for this.

Fares Daradkeh

thank Dr Amjad, it relays very helpful and interesting videos and notes all the best with the new post. Fares

Jeanette

This was really helpful! I struggle with epistemology and what to actually say about it when writing up how I did a mini study.

Zanah Alshehri

I would like to take your permission to translate this post into Arabic with reference to the source.

Hi Zanah, thanks, that would be helpful! Could you drop me a quick line please on me (at) salmapatel.co.uk? Thanks! Salma

Agnes Arach

I like the whole presentation, made things a little clearer Question: Where do i talk about the theoretical perspective and paradigm when it comes to developing the proposal. Which chapter and section?

I’m pleased to hear you found it useful. It usually goes in the methodology chapter, which is normally found after the literature review chapter. All the best, Salma

Thank you Salma. Now, Can someone use phenomenology as a theory to base the research or it is inadequate. What do you think?

Crystal Lujan

This was awesome! It was simple and easy to understand. Thank you so much! I’m sure I’ll be back with more questions though!

Charlotte Stacey

So very helpful Salma. Clearly written and in brilliantly simple terms. You have helped me to no end with the design of my research, thank you.

An explanation in Arabic of the Research Paradigm | Salma Patel

[…] am very pleased to share that my popular post (335,894 views to date) on The research paradigm – methodology, epistemology and ontology – explained in simple language has now been very kindly translated into Arabic by Zanah Alshehri, a doctoral researcher in […]

Nicholas Bwebare

Thanks, its a wonderful explanation.

cindy chita

this has been very helpful. am happy I read.

Sally

This saved me! Thanks. I was feeling really overwhelmed by the terminology. thanks so much.

meliza f. balundo

Good day salma may I ask your help? how would I write a research paradigm about Identification and assessment of learners with learning disabilities? please help. thanks

Pascal

Thank you, this helped me so much. What all the information my uni tried to give me but I didn’t need to filter through everything I couldn’t understand.

Zuley

Thank you Salma; this has deepened my understanding.

Thando Miya

Thanks Salma, its a wonderful and simple explanation

Michelle Kelly

Thank you so much, this article and video has made my life so much easier, I was really struggling with research paradigms and you have made the subject very clear!

Jasson Compuesto

Thank you so much for your effort in explaining all the aspects about research in many forms. Your materials have really clarified all my confusion especially about the terms involved in research. I salute you for your intelligence and simplistic method of explaining research to those who are not well-versed about it. May the force be with you, man!

Edgar Nyanga

Thank you so much for the write. I know what to do now

Anastassiya

Very useful, understandable. Thank you

Michael

Very easy to understand ,useful content Thank you

Laila

Thank you! This has been most helpful!

Neetha Shetty

Very simple and clear explanation . Really useful. Thank you for posting this.

Gasegapele

This was very helpful I even cited you. Continue the good work Dr Patel. Very informative

Nnadi

Thanks so much for this detailed but simplified explanation. It is of great help.

Remmy A

Thank you. This is the most useful explanation I have ever come across with in Research Paradigms

Joyce

This is insightful. Thank you for the clear explanations. I have fully understood the terms and now able to apply them. Thank you a million times

This came at a time when I am struggling understanding their meanings and trying to apply them to research philosophical underpinning. Thank you Salma for this simplified explanation. I salute you

Angela Mandie-Filer

Thank you, very clear explanation.

Sam Alara

Thank you Dr Salma for the ever green demystification of research paradigm. God Bless You.

sharm

I read a book for 5 hours and I didn’t get it. I read your post in 5 mins and I completely understood. Thank you

Choosing Phenomenological Research |

[…] Patal, S. (2015, July 15). The research paradigm – methodology, epistemology and ontology – explained in simple language. https://salmapatel.co.uk/academia/the-research-paradigm-methodology-epistemology-and-ontology-explain&#8230 ; […]

Linda Theus-Lee

Salma, thank you so much for this scholarship of knowledge. I am just starting my Research Paradigm journey on what system (s) I will use for my Dissertation Research. I am not sure if it will be Qualitative, Quantitative or both. I’m Just diving in!

Sharon

Oh my goodness. Sanity at last!! Thank you so much for sharing this comprehensive and easy to understand post. Your videos are also wonderful!

Julie Maxwell

Thank you so much. This has been really helpful and – I think – the information has finally gone in!!

alexandra

This is INCREDIBLY complex and yet tremendously easy to understand. Thank you for sharing. It helped me with my placement research. 🙂

Mary

Hi Salma Found this very helpful and it was referred to in a recent text on Community and Human Services. However my supervisor is not keen on me referring to a blog in my PhD. Just wondering if you have submitted this to peer reviewed journal. I am particularly interested in the sections on constructionism and pragmatism. I am using mixed methods with qualitative data based on phenomenological interpretation with quant data which I have got from an organisation. Look forward to your reply! Mary

ahmed elabyad

Very Useful Content

I would like to suggest Recep Senturk Maratib Alwujud for an Islamic Ontology, Epistemology, and Methodology guide.

Jackie

OMG Thank you so much, this is so helpful and the best explanation I have seen yet. I am currently studying Qualitative research at Uni for my Master of Nursing and this has helped me a lot.

Thanks Jackie

Donna

Thank you so much. This article and table has made life much easier. Much appreciated.

Claire urch

Brilliant, thank you so much. An easy to read guide and explanation. I can actually now start writing my methodology section

moorthypnt

It is simply Super. If willing, convert it into well structured journal article. that will increase its reach beyond imagination like crotty

Stan Seerden

Thanks for the clear info, really helpful article!

Elizabeth

I am in the second of three research courses, all building up to my doctoral thesis proposal. This is very helpful!

ryan

Thank you! this made everything much easier to understand. Very clear

Paul

Thank you very much For information on research paradigms Dr. Salma Patel they are very difficult to grasp, this will brighten my understanding of research report together with referencing ??

Y du Plessis

I cant thank you enough for this! I was on the verge of giving up on my Phd until I read this! Wonderfully written and made it so easy to understand

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COMMENTS

  1. An Introduction to Research Paradigms: Understanding the Basics

    Broadly speaking, research paradigms (e.g., positivism, post-positivism, critical theory, constructivism, etc.) are ways of explaining the basic set of beliefs that you have (i.e., at a philosophical level) and how these influence the way you do research (i.e., the practical …

  2. Writing about paradigms in your PhD thesis

    By explaining how your paradigm shapes your research design, you clarify why you’ve chosen specific methods and how they align with your research questions and objectives. The methods you use to gather data are …

  3. Research Paradigm: An Introduction with Examples

    A research paradigm is a method, model, or pattern for conducting research. It is a set of ideas, beliefs, or understandings within which theories and practices can function. The …

  4. The research paradigm

    I have put together this post to explain what a research paradigm is, which includes ontology, epistemology, theoretical framework and methodology, and why it is important for your research or PhD.

  5. CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

    description of the research paradigm, philosophy, approach and techniques used in this thesis. Introduction. Research is not conducted in a vacuum: it is framed within a research paradigm …