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On what
grounds will you support or reject this Paradigm.
Paras Baloch
MS/39/2K14
Subject: Research Methodology
Submitted to: Dr Habib Pathan
Date: 15-09-2014
The positivist approach is often called as the natural science model of social science research.
Positivist Paradigm puts emphasis on the idea that the techniques or methodologies used by
natural sciences are suitable to the social sciences.
Positivists recommend that scientific knowledge can be achieved through verified facts.
The primary job of a positivist researcher is to measure, quantify or find the extent of
research problem.
Concluding Points
I cannot support or reject any one paradigm because both are showing reality through different
lenses. So, to me mixed method is an appropriate choice. Positivist and interpretivist both study
the same phenomena but with different questions. One paradigm puts emphasis on measurement
of objective facts, and answers what and how? While the other one, interpretivist, tries to observe
each and everything by direct observation with the help of interviews and participant
observation. So by mixing both methods together we will get better understanding of social
reality.
References
http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/30646_mukherji_chp_1.pdf9/12/2014
http://researchonline.nd.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?filename=2&article=1030&context=theses&
type=additional9/12/2014
Hek G, Judd M and Moule P (2002) Making sense of research: an introduction for health and
social care practitioners (2nd edition)
Lee, Aleen S.(Nov 1991). Integrating Positivist and Interpretivist Approaches to Organizational
Research, vol.2,page 342-365Institute of Operations Research and the management sciences
Filstead, William J.(.) Qualitative Methods: A Needed Perspective in Evaluation Research