This document discusses three main research paradigms: positivism, anti-positivism (interpretivism), and critical theory. Positivism takes a naturalistic and objective approach to knowledge through observation and quantification. Anti-positivism sees knowledge as subjective and socially constructed. Critical theory examines how historical forces restrict freedom and uncover ideological justifications. The document outlines key characteristics of each paradigm such as their views on ontology, epistemology, methodology, and strengths/weaknesses.

1. Research Paradigms
Sajid Ali (02)

2. Concepts about Knowledge
 Ontology
Nature of knowledge
 Epistemology
Relationship of that knowledge with
researcher
 Methodology
How to find it practically?

3. Types of Paradigms
 Positivism (Natural)
 Objective perception of knowledge
 Anti-positivism (Interpretivism)
(Social)
 Subjective perception of knowledge
 Critical Theory (Historical)

4. Characteristics of Positivism
 Naturalistic enquiry
 Observation and reason (objectivity)
 Science is the only valid knowledge.
 Fact is the object of knowledge.
 The task of philosophy is to find the
general principles common to all
 Positivism denies intuition, prior
reasoning, theological and metaphysical
knowledge.
 Knowledge generation with the help of
quantification.

5. Characteristics of Anti-Positivism
(Interpretivism) (Social)
 Social reality is interpreted by the
individual according to the ideological
position one posses.
 Reality is multilayered and complex and
single phenomenon has multiple
interpretations.
 Qualitative approach for the social
inquiry.

6. Characteristics of Critical Theory
 It could describe the historical forces that
restrict human freedom and expose the
ideological justification of the forces.
1. Eg: Females are not good in mathematics,
most PhD students are males. What could
be the reason: Are they inherently dull in
mathematics?
2. In18th century Negros were unintelligent
and uneducated, but this wouldn't imply
that negros are inherently/genetically
more unintelligent than whites.

7. Strengths of Positivism Paradigm
 Generalizability
 Future predictions can be made (due to
Quantitative approach).
 It is precise in words
 Validity is stronger than anti-positivism
 Less complicated than anti-positivism

8.  Can’t be relied when human behavior is
investigated
 Suitable for General understanding, can’t
be applied for particular context.
 Inaccuracy in scientific data would alter
the end results.
Weaknesses of Positivism Paradigm

9. References
1. What is your paradigm? (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2016, from
http://www.erm.ecs.soton.ac.uk/theme2/what_is_your_paradigm.html
2. Dash, D. I. (n.d.). Module: Selection of the Research Paradigm and Methodology.
Retrieved August 14, 2016, from
http://www.celt.mmu.ac.uk/researchmethods/Modules/Selection_of_methodology/
3. Priya, R. (2014). Comte’s Positivism and Its Characteristics. Retrieved August 14,
2016, from http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/sociology/comtes-positivism-and-its-
characteristics/43730/
4. Antipositivism. (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2016, from
http://positivists.org/blog/antipositivism
5. E. (n.d.). Critical Theory and Positivism. Retrieved August 14, 2016, from
http://forum.objectivismonline.com/index.php?/topic/13005-critical-theory-and-
positivism/