Research Paradigm

Definition: A research paradigm is an approach about the long term research model which has been clearly verified by the respective research community and that has been in practice for hundreds of years.

Research paradigm.

Most of the research paradigm emerge from any one of the two paradigms which are positivist  approach and Interpritivist approach . Every research uses one of the research paradigm as a guideline to develop research methodology in their research in-order to get a most valid and appropriate output. Though basically there are two paradigms but there are several other paradigms emerged from these two especially in one particular research (social science).

In the recent years there has been a prominent paradigms which is mixed-method research. Quantitative research methodology is clearly the most favored approach for the research. In choosing the best methodology for social sciences, there has been a long debate for over half a decade and thus resulted in the emergence of mixed-method paradigm and mixed method methodology.

Types of Research Paradigm:

1. Positivist  paradigm
   Positivism is one of the most common conceptual framework for research or quantitative research. Empirical hypothesis testing is being believed by quantitative research as they follow positivist approach. In quantitative research the research follow the probabilistic model that is determined by the previous research. Posititvist believe that the findings of one study can be generalized to another study of a similar kind regardless of its conducted in a different situations and environment as well.  This is true of scientific variables like volume, speed, density, strength, and weight.  However for human behavior cannot be studied in lab settings it’s difficult to generalize human behavior to a wide and varied group of people regardless of if they have several similarities.
   
   
2. Interpretivist paradigm
   Interpretivist approach are being used for the the qualitative research in social sciences. There is no pre-defined or determined probabilities for human behavior in this Interpritivist approach. A human behavior is quite easy to control and also its affected by the various factors which is there nature as well. Hence interpretivist is believe in studying human behavior in the daily life is important rather than very well controlled environment.
   

Distinction between Positivism and Interpretivism

• To summarize positivism and interpretivism we can say that positivism is governed by objectivity, measurability, predictability, probability, controllability and control laws that can predict human behavior.
  On the other hand, anti-positivism or interpretivism is governed by subjectivity and studying human behavior in a real-life setting.
• Though, both of these paradigms are opposite of each other they represent the reality in two different manners, both of them have their own value and significance in the growth and development of knowledge.

Reference: http://readingcraze.com/index.php/what-is-a-research-paradigm/