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Positi Vis M

Post-positivism is a philosophical stance that critiques positivism by acknowledging the limitations of human understanding and the provisional nature of knowledge. It emphasizes the integration of objective and subjective perspectives in research, promoting mixed-methods approaches and the importance of empirical testing and falsification. This paradigm encourages critical inquiry and recognizes the influence of values on research, making it relevant in both natural and social sciences.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
21 views4 pages

Positi Vis M

Post-positivism is a philosophical stance that critiques positivism by acknowledging the limitations of human understanding and the provisional nature of knowledge. It emphasizes the integration of objective and subjective perspectives in research, promoting mixed-methods approaches and the importance of empirical testing and falsification. This paradigm encourages critical inquiry and recognizes the influence of values on research, making it relevant in both natural and social sciences.

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Submitted by:

Zunaira 31941
Submitted to:
Mam Noor Alam
Section:
A
Department:
MS Clinical Psychology
At
Riphah International University,
Faisalabad Campus, Faisalabad (Pakistan)
December 2024
Post-Positivism: A Philosophical Perspective in Research
1.Introduction
Post-positivism is a philosophical stance that emerged as a critique and modification of
positivism. It is rooted in the recognition that while science seeks truth, human understanding of
reality is inherently limited. Post-positivists believe that knowledge is never absolute and must
be continually tested and revised.
Origins and Historical Background:
Positivism, developed in the 19th century (Auguste Comte), emphasized that scientific knowledge
is derived from empirical observation, objectivity, and quantifiable data.
By the 20th century, scholars like Karl Popper and Thomas Kuhn challenged positivist ideals.
Popper introduced falsifiability as a core principle of science, while Kuhn emphasized the role of
paradigms in shaping scientific progress.
Post-positivism, therefore, arose to address positivism’s rigidity and acknowledge that scientific
knowledge is provisional, subjective to some degree, and influenced by social and historical
contexts.

2. Concepts of Post-Positivism
1. Reality and Truth:
Post-positivists accept that an objective reality exists but argue that humans can never fully know
it. Instead, researchers can only approximate the truth.
Reality is approached with a critical perspective, emphasizing tentative truths that are open to
revision based on evidence.
2. Fallibility of Knowledge:
Post-positivism acknowledges the fallibility of human knowledge. Scientific claims are subject
to error, bias, and revision.
This humility is what differentiates post-positivism from the absolute certainty asserted by
positivism.
3. Critical Realism:
Post-positivists align with critical realism, which argues that reality exists independently of
human perception but can only be understood through imperfect lenses.
Example: In social science research, poverty is a real phenomenon, but people’s understanding of
poverty is shaped by their cultural and personal biases.
4. Objective and Subjective Integration:
Post-positivists strive for objectivity but accept that complete neutrality is impossible.
Researchers’ values, backgrounds, and experiences influence their interpretations.
Methods aim to reduce biases without claiming to eliminate them.
5. Theory and Evidence:
Post-positivists believe in the dynamic interplay between theory and empirical evidence.
Theories guide research, but evidence tests and refines these theories.

1. Comparison: Positivism vs. Post-Positivism


In positivism, a researcher studying learning outcomes would only rely on standardized tests to
measure results. In post-positivism, the researcher might use both standardized tests and
interviews with students and teachers to gain a fuller understanding of learning contexts.

2. Post-Positivism in Research Methodology


Post-positivism shapes the research process in significant ways:
1. Empirical Testing and Falsification:
Researchers test hypotheses through empirical evidence but aim to disprove (falsify) rather than
conclusively prove them.
Karl Popper’s notion of falsifiability ensures that scientific claims remain open to challenge and
improvement.
2. Mixed-Methods Research:
Post-positivism promotes the use of quantitative and qualitative methods to balance objectivity
with a deeper understanding of context.
Example: In health studies, surveys (quantitative) might measure treatment outcomes, while
interviews (qualitative) uncover patient experiences.
3. Reduction of Bias:
Researchers adopt strategies to reduce bias, such as triangulation, reflexivity, and peer reviews.
Post-positivists accept that complete objectivity is unattainable but strive for reliability and
validity.
4. Role of Values:
Unlike positivism, post-positivism acknowledges that values influence research, including topic
selection, interpretations, and societal implications.

5. Strengths and Weaknesses of Post-Positivism


Strengths:
 Encourages critical inquiry and continuous improvement of knowledge.
 Acknowledges the complexity and uncertainty of real-world phenomena.
 Promotes flexibility through mixed-methods research, making it more inclusive.
 Balances scientific rigor with human-centered insights.
Weaknesses:
 Retains an emphasis on objectivity, which some critics argue is inherently unattainable.
 The idea of “approximate truth” can be ambiguous and lead to challenges in
interpretation.
 Post-positivism requires researchers to navigate subjective and objective aspects, which
can be methodologically complex.
6. Post-Positivism in Practice: An Example
Imagine a researcher studying the impact of online education on students’ performance:
1. A positivist researcher would measure success solely using test scores.
2. A post-positivist researcher would combine test scores (quantitative) with interviews and
observations (qualitative) to uncover broader factors such as motivation, access to
technology, and emotional well-being.
The post-positivist approach provides a richer understanding of the research problem, ensuring
that multiple perspectives and dimensions are explored.

7. Conclusion
Post-positivism represents a significant evolution in scientific thought, bridging the gap between
the rigid objectivity of positivism and the interpretive approaches of constructivism. It offers a
balanced perspective that recognizes the provisional nature of knowledge, the role of human
bias, and the need for empirical rigor.
In today’s complex world, post-positivism provides researchers with the tools to explore
problems deeply, critically, and holistically, making it an essential paradigm in both natural and
social sciences.

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