This document discusses research paradigms in qualitative research. It defines a paradigm as a framework or set of beliefs that guide research. The key paradigms discussed are positivist, constructivist, transformative, and pragmatic. The document explores the basic components of a paradigm including ontology, epistemology, axiology, and methodology. It examines the characteristics and assumptions of different paradigms such as the positivist view that there is a single observable reality, and the constructivist view that realities are socially constructed. The document also discusses types of paradigms for social theory analysis including functionalist, interpretive, radical humanist, and radical structuralist.

1. PARADIGM
Research Method in Education and Social
Qualitative Research
Prepared by
Prepared by
Ramesh prasad
M. Phil in Education
Roll No. 75152120
Nepal Open University
2019
PARADIGM
Research Method in Education and Social Science
Qualitative Research Method
Prepared by
Prepared by
prasad lamichhane
M. Phil in Education
Roll No. 75152120
Nepal Open University
2019

2. MEANING OF PARADIGM
o Paradigm is a pattern of thought,
framework and a way of doing something
(Livio English Dictionary, 2019)
o A research paradigm is the set of common beliefs and
about how problems should be understood
addressed.(Kuhn,1962)
addressed.(Kuhn,1962)
o Research paradigms can be characterized
epistemology and methodology. (Guba,
o The term paradigm was started by
1962 while he published The Structure
MEANING OF PARADIGM
thought, a system of beliefs, a conceptual
something.
).
A research paradigm is the set of common beliefs and agreements
about how problems should be understood and
characterized through their ontology,
(Guba, 1990)
by Thomas S. Kuhn (1922–1996) in
Structure of Scientific Revolutions.
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3. MEANING OF PARADIGM
oParadigms are toolboxes; full of
thinking and that all can be useful
They all can be used to solve problems,
wrong . (Tracy, 2013, p. 38).
o Paradigm is the basic set of beliefs
deals with the first principle, they
2011)
2011)
oThe basic set of beliefs that guide
authors (Guba, Lincoin 2011
Paradigm.
o Crasewell has said world view for paradigm in his books.
MEANING OF PARADIGM
of theories, practices, and ways of
useful or destructive in their own way.
problems, or to prove someone else
beliefs that guide human action. It
they are human construction.(Lincoin,
guide action is worldview but other
, Merten 2010) have called it
(Crasewell, 2013)
Crasewell has said world view for paradigm in his books.

4. Components of paradigm
Guba and Lincoln (2005) identify four basic belief systems, which are
characterized by the following questions that help define a paradigm:
(Kinross and Darzi 2010)
• The ontological question asks, “What is the nature of reality?”
• The epistemological question asks, “What is the nature of knowledge? and
how the knowledge exist?”
• The axiological question asks, “What is the nature of ethics?”
• The methodological question asks, “How can a conductor go about
obtaining the desired?”
obtaining the desired?”
Methodology
axiology Paradigm
Ontology
Components of paradigm
Guba and Lincoln (2005) identify four basic belief systems, which are
characterized by the following questions that help define a paradigm:
The ontological question asks, “What is the nature of reality?”
The epistemological question asks, “What is the nature of knowledge? and
axiological question asks, “What is the nature of ethics?”
The methodological question asks, “How can a conductor go about
Methodology
Paradigm Epistemology
Ontology

5. oOntology is the reality existed
always deals about “What
oEpistemology is the sources
always deals about “How some
oAxiology is the value existed
significance or importance. It
value of ..?”
significance or importance. It
value of ..?”
oMethodology is the procedure
knowledge or to complete
procedural approach not philosophical
epistemology, and axiology are
existed with in the situation. It
is …?”
and ways of Knowledge it
some thing is happening?”
existed with in something. It is
It is the answer of “What is
It is the answer of “What is
which we use to acquire the
the task. It is related to
philosophical. But, ontology
are philosophical aspect.

6. Paradigm is the set of thought pattern
expression and attitudes are the product
and values as input and use the
epistemology and methodology are
also called worldview.
pattern. Human behaviour, action,
product of paradigm. Which takes beliefs
principles as processor. Ontology
guiding factors of paradigm. It is
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7. Types of paradigm
Guba and
Lincoln
(1994-2005)
J. Kinross and
L. Darzi (2010)
Classificatio
n
 Positivist
Constructivist
Transformative
 Pragmatic
Creswell said
Creswell said
world
world-
-
View for these
View for these
paradigm
paradigm
 Positivist
Constructivist
Transformative
 Pragmatic
Creswell said
Creswell said
world
world-
-
View for these
View for these
paradigm
paradigm
 Positivist
Constructivist
 Criticalist
ref. corresponding books of authors’ maintained in boxes above.
ref. corresponding books of authors’ maintained in boxes above.
paradigm
Burrel
Burrel and
and
Morgan, (
Morgan, (1979
1979 )
)
Classificatio
n
Tracy, sarah j.
2013
 (post)-
 (post)-
 (post)-
positivist
 interpretive
 Critical
 post
modernist /
post structuralist
 (post)-
positivist
 interpretive
 Critical
 post
modernist /
post structuralist
Functionalist
Interpretive
Radical
humanist
 Radical-
structuralist
corresponding books of authors’ maintained in boxes above.
corresponding books of authors’ maintained in boxes above. © Rpl
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8. Types of paradigm
o Four major paradigm are positivist,
Pragmatic (Kinross and Darzi 2010
adaptation and extension of paradigms
and specially by Guba and Lincoln
span from 1994 to 2005). Kinross
positivist and constructivist for the
Guba and Lincoln’s (2005), who choosed
Guba and Lincoln’s (2005), who choosed
they choose to label this transformative
postmodernism a fifth paradigm,
(Kinross and Darzi 2010).
o Here we need to be clear that Tracy’s
Darzi as Transformative paradigm.
Types of paradigm
positivist, constructivist, transformative and
2010). These are based on an
paradigms discussed by Lather (1992)
Lincoln (as depicted in their writings that
and Drazi adopted their use of the
first two paradigms. In contrast to
choosed of “critical theory et al”
choosed of “critical theory et al”
transformative. Lather poststructuralism and
which is labeled deconstructivist
Tracy’s Critical paradigm is renamed by
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9. Positivist paradigm
o Positivists believe that there is a single
and known, and therefore they are more
methods to measure this reality. It is
paradigm.
o Positivist also referred to as a realist
that a single reality already exists “out
that a single reality already exists “out
waiting be discovered.
o Positivists conduct research in order
empirical phenomena and build tangible
They strive for research to mirror reality
Being examined. (Kinross and Darzi,
Positivist paradigm
single reality, which can be measured
more likely to use quantitative
is also called realistic or functional
or functional paradigm, it assumes
“out there” in the world and is
“out there” in the world and is
to observe, measure, and predict
tangible and material knowledge.
reality to represent clearly what is
Darzi, 2010).

10. Positivist and Post-positivist paradigm
opost-positivist paradigm is similar
aiming toward knowing a single material
to positivists, post-positivists believe
reality is inherently partial.
o post-positivist point of view, qualitative
garnering(banking) representative samples
garnering(banking) representative samples
to the question, “What is happening
to this question, researchers from
triangulate – to use multiple types
methods of collection, various theoretical
researchers (Denzin, 1978) in order
happening
positivist paradigm
to a positivist one in terms of
material reality. However, in contrast
believe that humans’ understanding of
qualitative methods aim toward
samples that provide a clear answer
samples that provide a clear answer
here?” In the quest for an answer
these approaches are likely to
types and sources of data, diverse
theoretical frames, and multiple
order to settle upon what is “really”
happening.

11. Constructivists paradigm
 Constructivists believe that there
Reality needs to be interpreted,
likely to use qualitative methods
realities.
 The constructivist; which is also
 The constructivist; which is also
constructionist says that: reality
which a researcher can clearly explain,
into a research report.
 Both reality and knowledge are
through communication, interaction,
about reality is therefore always
researcher.
Constructivists paradigm
there is no single reality or truth.
interpreted, and therefore they are more
methods to get those multiple
also termed as interpretive or
also termed as interpretive or
reality is not something “out there,”
explain, describe, or translate
are constructed and reproduced
interaction, and practice. Knowledge
always mediated through the

12. Transformative paradigm
 The constructivist paradigm has been
and post-positivists, but also by another
This group i.e. transformative includes
action researcher, Marxists, feminists,
and persons with disabilities, among
 Concerned about a number of different
 Concerned about a number of different
to the development of the transformative
 Transformative researchers acknowledge
dominance or minority, inequities
disability, sexual orientation, and
included. This theory has comes in
may differ the conclusion.
Transformative paradigm
been criticized not only by positivists
another group i.e. Transformative.
includes critical theorists, participatory
feminists, racial and ethnic minorities
among others.
different issues and events contributed
different issues and events contributed
transformative paradigm.
acknowledge that Political actions,
based on gender, race or ethnicity,
socioeconomic oppressed must be
in the vision of inclusion. Inclusion

13. Pragmatic Paradigm
• Pragmatists believe that reality is constantly renegotiated, debated,
interpreted, and therefore the best method to use is the one, that
solves the problem.
• In a pragmatic approach, there is no problem with asserting that
there is a single “real world” and that all individuals have their own
there is a single “real world” and that all individuals have their own
unique interpretations of that world.
• It is the way where people can see something by their point of view,
frame of reference, or by their belief. Ontology epistemology and
Methodology are the major deteminors of paradigm.
Pragmatic Paradigm
believe that reality is constantly renegotiated, debated,
interpreted, and therefore the best method to use is the one, that
In a pragmatic approach, there is no problem with asserting that -
there is a single “real world” and that all individuals have their own
there is a single “real world” and that all individuals have their own
It is the way where people can see something by their point of view,
frame of reference, or by their belief. Ontology epistemology and
Methodology are the major deteminors of paradigm.

14. Interpretive Paradigm
 interpretive paradigm is also
constructionist.
 reality is not something “out
can clearly explain, describe,
report.
 Rather, both reality and knowledge
 Rather, both reality and knowledge
reproduced through communication,
practice.
 Knowledge about reality is
through the researcher.
Interpretive Paradigm
also termed constructivist or
“out there,” which a researcher
describe, or translate into a research
knowledge are constructed and
knowledge are constructed and
communication, interaction, and
is therefore always mediated

15. Critical research paradigm
 Critical research is based on the idea that thought
power relations and that data cannot be separated
myths, and beliefs that guide and have power
(Kinchloe & McLaren, 2000).
 Hierarchical power differences. (It suggests
head of social organization).
 Critical researchers view cultural life as
resistance, and they frame language as a type
 Thus ideas and knowledge can both control
 Knowledge is constructed through communication
At the very least, critical research brings
and, by doing so, provides space
Critical research paradigm
thought is fundamentally mediated by
separated from ideology – a set of doctrines,
power over individuals, groups, and societies
suggests that males should be at the center and
as a constant tension between control and
type of power.
control and liberate.
communication and historical power relations..
brings power relations to conscious awareness
for questioning and transformation.

16. Postmodernist / Poststructuralists Paradigm
 postmodern scholars’ approach, knowledge
un-stable, and plural. As such, the paradigm
domination and self-subordination, but
and change.
 Poststructuralists assume that all people have space for agency (the ability to act
in a scene) and free will (the ability to choose among alternatives)
ref to: ( paradimetic reflect and theory)
 Postmodernists view reality as rhizomatic
figure with meaning constantly shifting,
and being interdependent with other meanings
Postmodernist / Poststructuralists Paradigm
knowledge and power as something dispersed,
paradigm not only highlights occasions of
but also accentuates avenues for resistance
Poststructuralists assume that all people have space for agency (the ability to act
in a scene) and free will (the ability to choose among alternatives)
rhizomatic or root-like, in
shifting, growing,
meanings.
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17. Types of paradigm for
Types of paradigm for socaial
socaial
socaial
socaial theory
theory
Four paradigms for the
Four paradigms for the
analysis
analysis
of social theory are:
of social theory are:

Functionalist
Functionalist

 Interpretive
Interpretive
Four paradigms for the
Four paradigms for the
analysis
analysis
of social theory are:
of social theory are:

Functionalist
Functionalist

 Interpretive
Interpretive

 Interpretive
Interpretive

Radical
Radical humanist
humanist

 Radical
Radical structuralist
structuralist
(
(Burrel
Burrel and
and Morgan,
Morgan, 1979
1979 p
p.
.
22
22)
)

 Interpretive
Interpretive

Radical
Radical humanist
humanist

 Radical
Radical structuralist
structuralist
(
(Burrel
Burrel and
and Morgan,
Morgan, 1979
1979 p
p.
.
22
22)
)

18. Summary
 Paradigm is axiomatic thought or it is
behaviour, action, expression and attitudes
intakes beliefs and values as input and
epistemology and methodology are guiding
(2013) has used the term worldview for
as synonym for world view and paradigm
 Eg: As the grammatical paradigm of a word
paradigm about the mother of someone
paradigm about the mother of someone
fertilized at least once and they are irreversible
 Positivist, Constructivist, Criticalist or Transformative
major research paradigm. It has also divided
Interpretive, radical humanist and radical
social theory.
is the set of thought pattern. Human
attitudes are the product of paradigm. Which
and principles as processor. Ontology
guiding factors of paradigm. Crasewell
paradigm. Oxford dictionary has taken
paradigm.
word ‘go’ is “go, went, gone”; the social
is that: she is feminine, married and
is that: she is feminine, married and
irreversible change in her life.
Transformative and pragmatist are
divided into functionalist,
radical structurelist for the analysis of

19. References
• Guba. (1990). In options for inquiry.
• Khun. (1962). In Research Dilemmas: Paradigm, method and methodology.
• Lincoin, N. k. (1998). In D. a. Lincoin, Hand books of qualitative research.
• Crasewell. 2013. “Philosophical Assumption and Interpretive Framework.”
in Philosophical assumption and interpretive framework
in Philosophical assumption and interpretive framework
• Kinross, James and Lord Ara Darzi. 2010. “Before Beginning Research: A
Philosophic Perspective.” Pp. 207–28 in
Methodology.
• Tracy, sarah j. 2013. Qualitative Research Method: Collecting Evidence,
Certifying Analysis, Communicating Impact
Publication Ltd.
References
Research Dilemmas: Paradigm, method and methodology.
Hand books of qualitative research.
Crasewell. 2013. “Philosophical Assumption and Interpretive Framework.”
Philosophical assumption and interpretive framework.
Philosophical assumption and interpretive framework.
Kinross, James and Lord Ara Darzi. 2010. “Before Beginning Research: A
28 in Key Topics in Surgical Research and
Qualitative Research Method: Collecting Evidence,
Certifying Analysis, Communicating Impact. 2013th ed. Blackwell

20. Query
Critical research can fall either into the modern
camp, depending on its emphasis. Illustrate
 If a researcher want to conduct a research
stability in teaching job of different subject
Which of the research paradigm should he
and research approach which can be used
and research approach which can be used
- Untimely and rapid change of teachers specially
 Guba and Lincoin (1994) told, “Questions
important to the questions of which paradigm
Discuss .
Query
modern (positivist) or into the postmodern
Illustrate this sentences with a suitable example.
research work in titled “Job satisfaction and
subject teacher in secondary level in Nepal”
he follow? Discuss about research paradigm
for proposed research. [ Research problem
for proposed research. [ Research problem
specially in technical subjects ]
“Questions of research methods are secondary
paradigm is applicable to your research.”

21. Thank you
Thank you