Research Paradigms: Positivism vs Interpretivism

Research can feel confusing. You may ask: What is reality? How do we know something is true? Why do researchers argue about methods? These questions sit at the heart of research paradigms. Without a clear paradigm, a study can feel unclear or weak.

In this guide, you will learn what research paradigms mean and why they matter. You will explore ontology, epistemology, axiology, and methodology in simple terms. If you are drafting your study, tools like Jenni can help you turn complex ideas into structured, confident writing.

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What Are Research Paradigms?

A research paradigm is a belief system. It shapes how you see reality, knowledge, and truth. It guides your worldview and your philosophical assumption.

Think of a paradigm like a pair of glasses. The glasses shape how you see the world. In the same way, a paradigm shapes how you study the world.

Every paradigm rests on four pillars:

• Ontology – What is reality?

• Epistemology – How do we gain knowledge?

• Axiology – What role do values play?

• Methodology – How do we study the world?

These pillars must align. This alignment creates philosophical coherence. Without it, your research may lack clarity.

<ProTip title="✨ Insight:" description="Always check if your research beliefs and methods align. Strong coherence builds strong studies." />

The Core Pillars of Research Paradigms

This section explains the four foundations of any paradigm. Each pillar shapes your design and decisions.

Ontology: The Nature of Reality

Ontology asks a simple but deep question: What is reality?

Some researchers believe in realism. They argue that reality exists outside us. It is stable and can be observed.

Others believe in relativism or social constructionism. They argue that reality is shaped by culture and interaction.

Some related ideas include:

• Critical ontology – Reality exists, but power shapes how we see it.

• Nominalism – Categories are labels we create.

If you believe in one single reality, you lean toward objectivity. If you believe in many realities, you lean toward subjectivity.

Epistemology: The Nature of Knowledge

Epistemology asks: How do we gain knowledge?

Some researchers follow empiricism. They trust observation and data. Others support rationalism, which values logic and reasoning.

Ideas about truth also differ:

• Correspondence theory says truth matches reality.

• Coherence theory says truth fits within a belief system.

Your epistemology shapes whether you use induction, deduction, or abductive reasoning.

Axiology: The Role of Values

Axiology studies values in research. Some researchers aim for value-neutral research. They try to remove bias.

Others accept value-laden research, especially in critical or transformative studies. Practices like reflexivity and bracketing help researchers reflect on their influence.

Methodology: The Plan of Action

Methodology links philosophy to practice. It defines how you collect and analyze data.

You may use:

• Quantitative methods

• Qualitative methods

• Mixed methods

Your methodology must show methodological fit with your paradigm.

<ProTip title="📌 Reminder:" description="Before choosing tools like surveys or interviews, confirm your paradigm supports them." />

Major Types of Research Paradigms

Each paradigm reflects a different worldview. Below are the main types explained in simple language.

Positivism

Positivism believes in one objective reality. Knowledge is gained through measurement and observation.

It values:

• Objectivity

• Hypothesis testing

• Falsification

• Statistical inference

Common methods include survey research and experimental design.

Post-Positivism

Post-positivism accepts that reality exists but cannot be known perfectly. It often connects with critical realism.

It supports both quantitative methods and qualitative methods.

Researchers focus on validity and reliability.

Interpretivism and Constructivism

Interpretivism and constructivism argue that reality is socially constructed.

They explore lived experience using:

• Phenomenology

• Ethnography

• Narrative inquiry

• Discourse analysis

• Grounded theory

They often rely on induction and accept subjectivity.

Pragmatism

Pragmatism focuses on what works.

It supports pragmatist pluralism and mixed methods research.

Common designs include:

• Convergent parallel design

• Explanatory sequential design

• Exploratory sequential design

• Embedded design

Pragmatism is common in interdisciplinary research.

Critical Theory and the Transformative Paradigm

Critical theory examines power and inequality.

It includes:

• Feminist paradigm

• Postcolonial theory

• Queer theory

• Disability studies

The transformative paradigm aims to create social change.

Participatory action research is often used here.

<ProTip title="🔎 Insight:" description="If your research aims to challenge injustice, a critical or transformative paradigm may offer stronger alignment." />

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research

Numbers or narratives? Charts or conversations? When researchers set out to answer a question, they usually choose between two powerful approaches: quantitative vs qualitative research.

At its core, the difference is simple. Quantitative research measures and counts. It looks for patterns in numbers and tests clear hypotheses. Qualitative research, on the other hand, explores meaning and experience. It seeks to understand perspectives, motivations, and the deeper reasons behind human behavior.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research focuses on measuring numbers and identifying patterns. Its main goal is to test ideas, confirm theories, and discover general laws that apply to larger groups. Researchers collect structured data that can be counted and analyzed statistically.

It often uses:

• Survey research

• Experimental design

• Hypothesis testing

• Statistical inference

It values reliability and validity. It often follows deduction.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research explores meaning, experiences, and perspectives. Instead of focusing on numbers, it seeks to understand how people interpret the world around them. It answers questions such as “why?” and “how?” rather than “how many?”

It may use:

• Case study

• Ethnography

• Phenomenology

• Grounded theory

• Thematic analysis

It values transferability and confirmability. It often follows induction.

Mixed Methods Research

Mixed methods research combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Researchers collect numerical data and descriptive insights to gain a fuller understanding of a topic.

Researchers may use triangulation to compare findings. Mixed methods are growing in many fields.

<ProTip title="🧠 Note:" description="Start with your research question first. Then decide between qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods." />

How to Write a Research Question

A research question is the foundation of your study. It guides your research design, determines what data you collect, and shapes how you analyze your findings. A clear question keeps your project focused and meaningful.

Simple Example

Weak question:

Why do students struggle?

Stronger question:

How does online learning impact student motivation in rural high schools?

The second question is focused and clear.

Steps to Follow

• Identify your topic

• Narrow your focus

• Match it to your paradigm

• Check feasibility

If you plan hypothesis testing, use measurable terms. If you explore experience, use open language. Therefore, your question defines your direction.

A strong research question is clear, focused, researchable, and aligned with your method. When written well, it becomes the roadmap for your entire study.

How to Create Research Framework

Learning how to create research framework ideas helps organize your study.

A research framework shows:

• Main concepts or variables

• Relationships

• Theoretical base

The research onion, also called the Saunders research onion, is a helpful model.

Research Onion Overview

Each layer builds on the previous one.

Simple Analogy

Think of your framework like building a house.

• Ontology is the ground.

• Epistemology is the blueprint.

• Methodology is the construction plan.

• Methods are the tools.

If the ground is unstable, the house may fail.

<ProTip title="📚 Reminder:" description="Use a clear framework to show how your ideas connect logically from philosophy to data." /

Paradigm Wars and Paradigm Shift

In the past, scholars debated strongly. These debates were called paradigm wars.

“A Kuhnian revolution describes how science changes during a scientific revolution. This major change is called a paradigm shift.”- Simply Psychology [2].

Different paradigms may face incommensurability, meaning they cannot be directly compared.

Today, many scholars support integration and interdisciplinary research.

Ensuring Quality and Rigor

Quality depends on your paradigm.

In quantitative studies, focus on:

• Validity

• Reliability

• Statistical inference

In qualitative studies, focus on:

• Transferability

• Confirmability

• Reflexivity

• Emic perspective

• Etic perspective

• Bracketing

Systematic review and meta-analysis help combine findings.

Triangulation strengthens credibility.

Achieving Methodological Fit

Methodological fit ensures that your worldview, question, and methods align.

For example:

• Positivism + hypothesis testing + experimental design

• Interpretivism + narrative inquiry + thematic analysis

• Pragmatism + mixed methods + triangulation

Disciplinary norms may shape your choices. However, clarity and coherence matter most.

Bringing Your Research Paradigm Together

They influence how to write a research question and how to create research framework ideas. From positivism to critical theory, each paradigm offers a different view of reality, knowledge, and truth.

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Understanding these ideas is the first step. Applying them in writing is the next. Jenni can help you turn complex theory into structured drafts, while grammar tools refine clarity and tone. Together, they make research writing smoother and more confident.