Research Paradigms & Models of Health and Illness

Question 1

What are the 3 distinct dimensions of research paradigms?

Answer 1

1. Oncology
2. Epistemology
3. Methodology

Question 2

Define ‘research paradigm’.

Answer 2

Reflects ones beliefs about what constitutes knowledge and how it is to be generalized.

Question 3

What is ontology?

Answer 3

Ontology – nature of reality – WHAT IS REALITY?

Question 4

What is Epistemology?

Answer 4

Epistemology – nature and definition of knowledge and truth – HOW DO YOU KNOW SOMETHING? Defines the type of data that would be considered valid and useful

Question 5

What is Methodology?

Answer 5

Methodology – approach to data collection and analysis – asks the question - HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT FINDING IT OUT?

Tests pre-existing theories or generate new ones

Question 6

What are the two contrasting ontologies?

Answer 6

1. Objectivism - existence of something (is measured/we know it)
2. Constructionism – beliefs, ideologies, behaviours, human action, and what we believe something is (is objective).

Question 7

What are the two methodological traditions?

Answer 7

1. Quantitative–numbers, statistics, hypothesis testing

2. Qualitative–open ended questions, meaning, focus groups…

Question 8

What are the three important research paradigms?

Answer 8

1. Positivism (objectivism)
2. Interpretivism (constructivism)
3. Pragmatism

Question 9

What is positivism (objectivism)?

Answer 9

Generates valid knowledge of truth based on scientific process; observation; analysis of cause-effect

Ontology: there is a single reality or truth

Epistemology: Reality can be measured with reliable and valid tools

Question 10

What is interpretivism (constructivism)?

Answer 10

Knowledge is subjective; values insight of research participants

Ontology: there is no single reality or truth (many different realities, etc.)

Epistemology: Reality needs to be interpreted

Question 11

What is pragmatism?

Answer 11

Reality is constantly renegotiated, debated and interpreted – therefore, use of method that answers the question is important.

Based on the ontology that reality is constantly negotiated, debated, and interpreted - always changing.

Epistemology: solving the problem drives the method

Question 12

What is subjectivism?

Answer 12

Ontology: reality is based on perception

Epistemology: knowledge is a matter of perspective

Question 13

What is critical (paradigm)?

Answer 13

Ontology: realities are socially constructed
entities that are under constant internal influence

Epistemology: Reality and knowledge are socially constructed and influenced by power relations from within society

Question 14

What is the difference between deduction and induction?

Answer 14

Deduction is derived from previous theory, and induction is generalizations of new theories.

Question 15

Explain quantitative and qualitative methods.

Answer 15

Are not considered to be mutually exclusive - can be complimentary.

Mixed-methods design.

Question 16

What were the components of the original model of health?

Answer 16

• Based on Absence of disease
• Bio-medical model of health.
• Specific etiology (cause)
• Body as a machine
• No recognition of the subjective experience of illness or disease
• Psychological disturbances
• Scientific methods, objectivity, and physical and chemical data

Question 17

What are the components of the “Systems” or “Social” Model of Health?

Answer 17

1. Social
2. Economic
3. Cultural
4. Political

Question 18

What are the components of the “Bio-psychosocial (BPS)” Model of Health and Illness?

Answer 18

1. Biological (body)
2. Sociological (social)
3. Psychological (Mind)

Question 19

Define lay knowledge in regard to health?

Answer 19

Knowledge that is derived from individuals that are not part of the profession.