Worldviews and research approaches

Question 1

Positivism / Post-Positivism:

Answer 1

• Positivists believe in one stable reality.
• Emphasizes quantitative research.
• Post-positivism acknowledges hidden structures affecting perception.
• Uses both quantitative and qualitative research.

Question 2

Critical Realism

Answer 2

• Reality has stable aspects with hidden mechanisms.
• Utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Concerned with obscured or distorted reality.

Question 3

Pragmatism

Answer 3

• Advocates for the most suitable approach.
• Tailors methods to research questions.

Question 3

Social Construction

Answer 3

• Reality is multiple and shifting.
• Focuses on qualitative research.
• Emphasizes interpretations of reality.

Question 4

Epistemology

Answer 4

• Studies the nature and limits of knowledge.
• Investigates how knowledge is gained and justified.

Question 5

Ontology

Answer 5

• Deals with existence.
• Explores the meaning of “being.”

Question 6

Quantitative Research

Answer 6

• Examines variables in quantity.
• Utilizes statistical analysis.
• Allows for predictions and understanding complex relationships.

Question 7

Qualitative Research

Answer 7

• Focuses on observation and interpretation.
• Emphasizes subjective understanding.
• Better for exploring experiences.

Question 8

Mixed Methods Approach

Answer 8

• Combines quantitative and qualitative research.