Research Philosophy and Paradigms

What are the concepts and theories that underlie your research approach? This is the
research philosophy, also defined as "a system of beliefs and assumptions about the
development of knowledge” (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2015, p124).
Especially in social sciences and humanities, and especially at the postgraduate level, you
may be expected to present the research philosophy of your dissertation. In these cases you
will be asked to reflect on your beliefs and assumptions: to identify, explore, analyse,
challenge, develop, and eventually declare them as your research philosophy.

Types of assumptions
Epistemological: What is knowledge? How can it be acquired? To what extent knowledge
about a phenomenon can be acquired? What kinds of contributions to knowledge can be
made?
Ontological: What is the nature of reality? Does reality exist?
Axiological: What is the role of values in research? How should we treat our own values
when we do research? How should we deal with the values of research participants?

Research paradigms
In many disciplines you will come across pre-packaged research philosophies that you can
adopt as critical-analytical tools to reflect on your research, devise your methods, and
interpret your findings. A main paradigm in the natural sciences is the scientific
approach. Two main paradigms used in social sciences are positivism and interpretivism, but
there are several others, also depending on the specific research field.
Scientific approach: according to this approach, reality can be understood and explained
finding laws that govern it. Theories can be developed and are always subject to empirical
testing. This page, by the University of Miami, presents the scientific method (including
inductive reasoning; deductive reasoning; hypothesis, theory and law; and science as
falsification), with specific focus on biology, with entertaining visuals and clear
examples http://www.bio.miami.edu/dana/dox/scientific_method.html.
Positivism: According to positivism, the social world can be studied and understood similarly
to the natural world. Research can identify objective truths, through quantitative methods,
and these truths can be generalised (Cottrell, 2014, p98).
Interpretivism (or constructivism): Interpretivism/constructivism is essentially the opposite of
positivism. According to interpretivism/constructivism, social phenomena do not exist
abstractly and cannot be known objectively. Social phenomena are constructed by society;
their meaning can only be interpreted. The researchers' thinking is constructed too, as they
cannot stand outside ideological positions (Cottrell, 2014, p98).
https://methods.sagepub.com/video/social-science-research-paradigms-positivism-and-
interpretivism
Research philosophies table
A very insightful table developed by Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2015, p136-137) on the
main research philosophies in social sciences (with a specific focus on business and
management research): positivism, critical realism, interpretivism, postmodernism and
pragmatism.

Ontology Epistemology Axiology Typical methods

(nature of reality or (what constitutes (role of values)
being) acceptable
knowledge)
Positivism
Real, external, Scientific method Value-free research Typically deductive,
independent Observable and Researcher is highly structured,
One true reality measurable facts detached, neutral large samples,
(universalism) Law-like and independent of measurement,
Granular (things) generalisations what is researched typically quantitative
Ordered Numbers Researcher methods of analysis,
Causal explanation maintains objective but a range of data
and prediction as stance can be analysed
contribution
Critical realism
Stratified/layered Epistemological Value-laden Retroductive, in-
(the empirical, the relativism research depth historical
actual and the real) Knowledge Researcher situated analysis of
External historically situated acknowledges bias pre-existing
independent and transient by world views, structures and
Intransient Facts are social cultural experience emerging agency.
Objective structures constructions and upbringing Range of methods
Causal mechanisms Historical causal Researcher tries to and data types to fit
explanation as minimise bias and subject matter
contribution errors
Researcher is as
objective as
possible
Interpretivism
Complex, rich Theories and Value-bound Typically inductive
Socially constructed concepts too research Small samples, in-
through culture and simplistic Researchers are depth investigations,
language Focus on narratives, part of what is qualitative method
Multiple meanings, stories, perceptions researched, of analysis, but a
interpretations, and interpretations subjective range of data can be
realities New understandings Researcher interpreted
Flux of processes, and worldviews as interpretation key to
experiences, contribution contribution
practices Researcher reflexive
Postmodernism
Nominal What counts as Value-constituted Typically
Complex, rich ‘truth’ and research deconstructive –
Socially constructed ‘knowledge’ is Researcher and reading texts and
through power decided by dominant research embedded realities against
relations ideologies in power relations themselves
 Some meanings, Focus on absences, Some researcher In-depth
interpretations, silences and narratives are investigations of
realities are oppressed/repressed repressed and anomalies, silences
dominated and meanings, silenced at the and absences
silenced by others interpretations and expense of others Range of data
Flux of processes, voices Researcher radically types, typically
experience Exposure of power reflexive qualitative methods
relations and of analysis
challenge of
dominant views as
contribution
Pragmatism
Complex, rich, Practical meaning of Value-driven Following research
external knowledge in research problem and
‘Reality’ is the specific contexts Research initiated research question
practical ‘True’ theories and and sustained by Range of methods:
consequence of knowledge are those researcher’s doubts mixed, multiple,
ideas that enable and beliefs qualitative,
Flux of processes successful action Researcher reflexive quantitative, action
and practices Focus on problems, research
practices and Emphasis on
relevance practical solutions
Problem solving and and outcomes
informed future
practice as
contribution

Bibliography
Cottrell, S. (2014). Dissertations and project reports: a step by step guide. Hampshire,
England: Palgrave Macmillan.
Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2015). Research Methods for Business
Students. New York: Pearson Education.
Specht, D. (2019). The Media And Communications Study Skills Student Guide.
London: University of Westminster Press.