Positivism
In its simplest sense, positivism is a concept that explores the world through clear and classically defined terms. According to Panhwar et al. (2017), this worldview “bases itself on observable and empirical analytic facts” (p. 253). The nature of positivism is orthodox and involves knowledge and research using traditional approaches and methods to objectively prove specific ideas and hypotheses, thereby eliminating personal bias and subjectivity.
Post-Positivism
Post-positivism is a philosophical concept that appeared to replace orthodox positivism. Panhwar et al. (2017) describe it as a mixed methodology that utilizes the ideas of both positivism and interpretivism. This philosophical concept proposes to evaluate the set research tasks and allows for pluralism of opinions, which helps expand the boundaries of analysis and, at the same time, assess the infinity of the cognition process.
Constructivism
As a more flexible concept, one can pay attention to constructivism. Fletcher (2017) compares constructivism with positivism and argues that the former is based on viewing “reality as entirely constructed through and within human knowledge or discourse” (p. 182). Following this approach, the researcher seeks to use individual experience and knowledge to evaluate a particular phenomenon or prove a relevant theory or hypothesis.
Pragmatism
A pragmatic approach to analysis and research involves a variety of methods and tools. As Kaushik and Walsh (2019), these tools can be both classical in nature, such as the work of researchers in the past and modern, which are the result of scientific discoveries. The focus on a particular problem is critical, and the reality in which the work is performed is not seen as a significant criterion.
Comparison
When comparing the concepts presented, one can highlight the pairwise similarities between positivism and post-positivism, where the latter is a refined concept, and constructivism and pragmatism, respectively. The first two visions differ in their scope of research coverage, but they both view reality as a single system (Panhwar et al., 2017). For constructivism and pragmatism, the research process is key, and although the latter concept does not take into account a specific reality, the problem under investigation plays the role of the ultimate objective (Fletcher, 2017). However, despite the similarities, each methodology is individual and involves distinctive techniques and ways of knowing.
For me, the concept of constructivism most closely matches my research perspective and helps analyze the tasks to be performed. I am aware that I myself am responsible for the outcomes I achieve, and in the context of this paradigm, I set goals that I can accomplish due to my experience and knowledge. In general, understanding the connections between philosophical worldviews and research methodology helps me select the best assessment mechanisms and focus on those principles of data evaluation that can be substantiated and proven. As a result, following the idea of constructivism, I act as an observer but not an influencer, which helps me remain open-minded.
Biblical Integration
From a Christian perspective, the philosophical concepts reflect the desire for knowledge. However, for instance, the ideas of positivism and post-positivism are relatively limited, while constructivism gives believers an opportunity to build clear behavioral mechanisms. Pragmatism, in turn, focuses more on earthly truths than biblical ones, which also reduces its value in a Christian context. Christ says the following: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (“John 14,” n.d., para. 1). This saying emphasizes the unambiguous nature of the relationship between humans and God, which, as Keller and Alsdorf (2014) state, is multidimensional but practical. Therefore, research through a specific concept should take into account Christian values as crucial priorities.
References
Fletcher, A. J. (2017). Applying critical realism in qualitative research: Methodology meets method.International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 20(2), 181-194. Web.
John 14. (n.d.). English Standard Version. Web.
Kaushik, V., & Walsh, C. A. (2019). Pragmatism as a research paradigm and its implications for social work research.Social Sciences, 8(9), 255. Web.
Keller, T., & Alsdorf, K. L. (2014). Every good endeavor: Connecting your work to God’s work. Penguin.
Panhwar, A. H., Ansari, S., & Shah, A. A. (2017). Post-positivism: An effective paradigm for social and educational research. International Research Journal of Arts & Humanities (IRJAH), 45(45), 253-260.