What is the meaning of the “paradigm” and its importance to the study of research?
Paradigm is a “pattern” or an “exemplar” used to illustrate processes, patterns, and procedures. According to Kuhn (2012), paradigm refers to the structures and assumptions used to conduct various studies. A paradigm is necessary because it helps researchers properly execute their studies. It helps researchers break down and analyze the complexity of the universe. Paradigm is important to the study of research because it helps examine and extract knowledge from the world (Leedy & Osmond, 2010).
A paradigm is relevant because it helps the researcher think, talk, analyze, and talk about the acquired knowledge. Researchers use paradigms to define the best methodologies for their studies. They also help researchers differentiate between published and unpublished content. A paradigm is a powerful tool because it helps researchers formulate a methodology. The methodology helps them explore their universe better. The researchers will gain new ideas from their studies.
Different paradigms in Education and Technology: how the two differ
Examples of two paradigms in education include qualitative and quantitative inquiries. These two paradigms present different strategies for conducting education research. For instance, a qualitative approach is inductive and subjective while a quantitative approach is deductive and objective. The latter employs the use of different survey techniques while a qualitative approach is a form of “participant observation” (Kuhn, 2012).
On the other hand, examples of two paradigms in technology include “technological regimes” and “technical paradigms”. According to Neuman (2011), the technical paradigm examines the existing problems and possible solutions. Jupp (2006) argues that a paradigm examines specific progress to embrace new technological changes. The other paradigm focuses on the direction of the targeted technological change.
What distinguishes research from non-research?
One thing about research is that it has a methodology and a paradigm. Most of the researches has a hypothesis, methods, procedures, and findings. Researches also have conclusions and recommendations. As well, the researchers include suggestions for future research. A research study describes the method and process used to test the research hypothesis and question (Christensen, Johnson & Turner, 2011).
Non-research usually includes opinion-based documents and newspaper articles. Some examples of non-research materials include editorials, books, and book reviews. This discussion explains why researchers should have a purpose, a paradigm, research design, findings, and discussions. The research utilizes a set of guidelines and eventually, presents new evidence and findings supported using various observations or data (Wills, 2007). More often than not, scholars publish their researches and findings in peer-reviewed journals. This makes them easily accessible to readers and other researchers.
Example of research in Education and Technology
A research study examines a certain behavior or phenomena. Researches take different shapes depending on the targeted field of study (Jupp, 2006). For example, an educationist or scholar can decide to conduct a study aimed at analyzing the implications of different literacy strategies on learners with special needs in elementary schools. The research will help educationists and scholars examine how various literacy strategies can be used to educate learners with special needs.
A researcher in technology can conduct a study to develop new techniques for using e-documents and software applications. The study will help the researcher examine some of the best ways to use various documents and software applications. These research studies will have unique methodologies, designs, and hypotheses. Researchers use specific paradigms during their studies to present accurate findings and discussions.
Reference List
Christensen, L., Johnson, R., & Turner, L. (2011). Research Methods, Design, and Analysis. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Jupp, V. (2006). The Sage Dictionary of Social Research Methods. London: Sage.
Kuhn, T. (2012). The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.
Leedy, P., & Osmond, J. (2010). Practical Research: Planning and Design. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Neuman, W. (2011). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Wills, J. (2007). Foundations of Qualitative Research: Interpretive and Critical Approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.