Research Paradigms, Methods, and Hypothesis Formulation
Research Paradigms
Paradigm: Is the set of beliefs and attitudes that form a shared vision of the world within a group, leading to the adoption of a specific methodology.
Paradigms:
Positivist:
- Tries to adopt the model of the physical sciences.
- Assumes that reality exists independently outside the human mind.
- The relationship between the object and the subject of research is devoid of values (scientific objectivity).
- The methodology is experimental and interventionist.
- The relationship between variables is measured and controlled through quantitative instruments for validity and reliability.
- Knowledge is built up through federal laws to establish universally valid principles.
Interpretative:
- Holds a subjective vision of reality.
- The relationship between the subject and object of research is interactive.
- Reality exists only partially outside the mind.
- In terms of methodology, the researcher focuses on the elaboration and reconstruction of the social process through continuous dialogue and interpretation of reality.
Critical:
- Considers social reality to be a complex phenomenon.
- Uses a participatory critical method, with the researcher committed to investigating reality.
- The investigator partly determines the object of study and openly expresses their position in relation to the reality being researched.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis: An attempt to answer, a conjecture, an assertion that is supposed to respond to our question. This course tests its veracity or falsity.
Formulation of the Hypothesis:
The problem statement, through the formulation of a question, leads almost immediately to thinking about possible answers that constitute our research.
Ethnographic Method
Ethnographic Method: The description of the way of life, reason, or group of individuals. Understanding the actions of a particular group. Analytical description of the scenario or cultural group. Studying human life requires a research strategy that leads to cultural reconstruction.
Features:
Implies an interpretation of the events involved in the site, the insertion of the researcher in the middle being studied, access of an exploratory nature, structured conceptual analysis, the use of intensive techniques (observation and interview), and a capacity for interpreting behaviors and events as conceived by the participants.
Critical Method
- Objective: Produce changes in reality for those who do not share it as it is.
- Subject:
- Scientific: Its task is neutral and works without considering the consequences.
- Rebel Scientist: They question the established model and explore alternatives.
- Required Form: Express various questions; plan activities to verify the questions; self-reflection and reflection of each group; discussion about how to find answers; non-conclusive proposals and transformations.
Scientific Method
According to Bisguerra:
- Problem Statement.
- Review of the Literature.
- Formulation of the Hypothesis.
- Data Collection Methodology.
- Definition of Variables.
- Sampling of Subjects.
- Experimental Design.
- Procedures.
- Data Analysis.
- Conclusions.
Formulation of Questions
The approach to be made varies according to each method of investigating the social sciences.
Types:
- Descriptive Research: (Ethnographic Method) is involved in knowing or describing reality, revealing in the process, phenomena or situations. Responds to “How is it?”.
- Explanatory Research: (Critical Method) is aimed at looking for causes and consequences and interrelationships, critically interpreting the meaning of a fact or changing a reality in whole or in part.