Research paradigms: positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism
A research paradigm is the set of beliefs about reality (ontology) and knowledge (epistemology) that sits underneath everything you do. It decides what counts as a valid question, what evidence you trust, and which methods fit. Name it, and your whole design suddenly looks coherent rather than arbitrary.
The four you’ll meet
| Paradigm | Reality is… | Favours | Aim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positivism | Single, objective, measurable | Quantitative | Test hypotheses, find laws |
| Interpretivism / constructivism | Multiple, socially constructed | Qualitative | Understand meaning & experience |
| Pragmatism | Whatever answers the question | Mixed methods | Solve the problem |
| Critical / transformative | Shaped by power & inequality | Often mixed / participatory | Challenge and change |
Positivism vs interpretivism — the core split
Most students sit somewhere on the line between these two. Positivism assumes one measurable reality, leans quantitative, and chases generalisable findings. Interpretivism assumes reality is constructed and plural, leans qualitative, and chases meaning in context. They don’t just pick different methods — they define validity differently (generalisability vs trustworthiness).
Where mixed methods sits
Mixed-methods work is usually grounded in pragmatism: the question comes first, and you use whatever combination of qualitative and quantitative methods answers it — rather than committing up front to a single view of reality.
Why it matters for your thesis
Your paradigm justifies your methodology. It explains why your design and methods fit the question, and it sets the bar your work is judged against. State it explicitly in the methodology chapter — examiners read a missing or muddled paradigm as a sign the design choices were arbitrary.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a research paradigm?
The set of beliefs about reality (ontology) and knowledge (epistemology) that shapes your questions, evidence, and methods.
Positivism vs interpretivism?
Positivism: one measurable reality, quantitative, generalisable. Interpretivism: constructed/plural reality, qualitative, meaning in context.
What paradigm is mixed methods?
Usually pragmatism — the question leads, and you use whatever methods best answer it.
Why does it matter?
It justifies your whole methodology and sets the criteria your work is judged by. Examiners expect it stated.