1. Understanding Research
Philosophies
and Approaches
Thushara Bandaranayake

2. Characteristics of research
paradigm
• Ontology – Researchers view of the nature
of reality . What assumptions do we make
about the way in witch the world works
• Epistemology – What nature of knowledge.
Researchers view on what constitutes acceptable
knowledge. What is the relationship between the
knower (the researcher) and the know(able)?
• Axiology – Researchers view on role of
value/ethics in research methodology. How
should the researcher/inquirer go about finding
out knowledge?

3. Research Onion

4. Research philosophy
‘Research philosophy is an over-arching term
relating to the development of knowledge and
the nature of that knowledge’
A paradigm is ‘a basic set of beliefs that guide
action.

5. Pillars of Research
Philosophy
• Positivism (Reality )
• Realism (objects exists independently of our
knowledge)
• Interpretivism (Understand the difference between
humans in their role as social actors)
• Pragmatism (Arguing that it is possible to work
within both positivist & interpretivist)

6. Pillars of Research
Philosophy
• Positivism - Tries to uncover the one truth about
how things are – or a least what we focus on.
A structured method, combining logical deduction
with precise empirical (well known) observations (of
the behavior of individuals),
To open up and confirm causal relationships that are
generally valid with a known probability and which
can therefore be used for prediction.
purpose of science is to uncover the truth & make it
to be able to control and predict.

7. Pillars of Research
Philosophy
Positivism –
*Humans are expected to be rational.
*Objectivity and precision is important.
* Therefore measurement and measures, tools
and procedures are very important. Because
reality is stable and truths are generally valid.

8. Comparison
on four
research
philosophies
in
managemen
t research

9. Reference : http://www.slideserve.com/zarifa/research-
philosophies-and-approaches

10. THANK YOU..