Introduction
Social research is a fundamental basis on which a comprehensive study and analysis of a given phenomenon can be understood. This research employs different paradigm approaches towards the achievement of its objective. This paper seeks to succinctly analyze positivistic and interpretive research paradigm fundamental features, importance and their interpretation. In addition, it analyses the role of politics, stakeholders and practical constrains in the outcome of a research study.
Positivistic research paradigm
In this regard, the positivistic research paradigm is a quantitative research method that analyses distinct and empirical observation of a person’s behavior towards the discovery and prediction of the person’s general behavior in his or her life. This paradigm is a highly structured research process that employs objective data collection instruments and strictly uses statistical analysis. The paradigm assumes that human being behavior is rational.
In summary of the above paragraph, the positivistic research paradigm applies statistical data analysis and interpretation. In addition, the paradigm unlocks reality through the pure scientific research method.
“The positivist paradigm of exploring social reality is based on the philosophical ideas of the French philosopher Auguste Comte, who emphasized observation and reason as means of understanding human behavior” (Habermas,1970; Foreman and Gillett, 2005 and Maxwell, 2005).
The positivistic paradigm knowledge is crucial in the analysis of the operation of an organization. According to Dash (2005), “The positivist paradigm of exploring social reality is based on the philosophical ideas” These ideas shape and give direction to the research process thus ensures that one remains within the scope of the study. This prevents errors that might arise due to moving out of the research scope.
The second important aspect of the positivistic research paradigm is that it employs the use of quantitative data collection and data analysis (Keat, 1981; Kuhn, 1996). In this regard, it is easy to statistically analyze and present the research finding in a very logical manner. This increases its reliability and thus makes the research process not only efficient but also cost-effective.
The main limitation of this research paradigm lies in its assumptions and the scientific approach it undertakes even in a social setup. In this case, it takes human beings as objects which have a systematic way of operation and homogeneous behavior; a statement that is not true. Human behaviors normally change as a result of several factors and can never be predicted scientifically and correctly.
The interpretive research paradigm
The interpretive research paradigm, on the other hand, is a qualitative research method that employs direct and detailed observation of individuals in the natural environment in order to arrive at specific generalizations. In interpretative paradigm, the research is loosely structured with the research as the central instrument for data collection. This paradigm employs the assumption that to get information in a social setup, the researcher must be involved in that social setup. In his regard, the paradigm attempts to analyze and understand a phenomenon from a humanistic perspective.
In summary of the above explanation, the interpretive research paradigm is one of the best research paradigms which can unlock the truth in a social setup. This is because it employs a data collection technique that seeks the researcher’s participation. In this regard, the researcher can get detailed information about the researched population.
This research paradigm employs the technique of qualitative statistical data analysis in its research interpretation. This is entrenched in its assumption as Cohen, Manion and Keith (2000) puts it “access to reality (given or socially constructed) is only through social constructions such as language, consciousness and shared meanings and the philosophical base of interpretive research is hermeneutics and phenomenology.” This depicts that it appreciates that human behavior varies drastically and a sure way to analyze it is through the qualitative method.
This kind of research gives the research an opportunity to closely interact with the researched population. In this regard, the researcher can easily get correct data and further note some of the behavior trends which positivistic approach cannot reveal. However, it has got a limitation in that the researcher’s involvement can easily make him or she lose the focus of the study thereby presenting wrong data concerning the research phenomenon.
Neuman (2005) illustrates that businesses and organizations have their active impact and vested interest in the preferred outcome of research study this is because they use research study statistics for their strategic decision-making processes. The application of the correct type of research paradigm the fore translates to good decision-making processes and better management.
Politics also plays a crucial role in shaping how people live, relate and do business in society (Lakomski, 1999). In this line, research operation and is an exception and thus influenced by politics. The second reason why politics affect the research process is that politicians use research data to influence a given political cause in their favor.
The role of stakeholders in research cannot be downplayed; this is because stakeholders use research statistics in planning and prediction. Research statistics is the central point of stakeholders’ purpose interventions in an area (Sarantakos, 2005). In this regard, their influence and expectation impact research regardless of which research paradigm is used. The reason for this kind of influence is first, to protect their interest and to use the research data to plan.
Veal, (2005), notes that in research there can be practical constraints regardless of which research method is used. This is first; because it is difficult to predict the external level and magnitude of external influence on the research process and finally, the financial constraint a swell as lack of expected technical expertise poses a practical constraint on the research process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, summary, research plays a very significant role in society. This is because it is upon the research results and prediction that we are able to plan, organize and implement business strategies in our organizations and institutions.
Reference
Cohen, L, Manion, L and Keith, M 2000, Research Methods in Education, 5th Ed, London.
Dash, NK 1993, Research Paradigms in Education: Towards a Resolution, Journal of Indian Education 19(2).
Dash, NK, 2005, “Online research methods for teachers and trainers”, Web.
Foreman, N and Gillett, R 2005, A handbook of spatial research paradigms and methodologies, Psychology Press.
Habermas, J 1970, Knowledge and Human Interests, London, Heinemann.
Keat, R 1981, The Politics of Social Theory. Oxford, Basil Blackwell.
Kuhn, TS 1996, The Structure of Scientific Revolution. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Lakomski, G 1999, Critical theory, In J. P. Keeves and G. Lakomoki (Eds.). Issues in Educational Research. Oxford: Elsevier Science Ltd.
Maxwell, JA 2005, Qualitative research design: an interactive approach, Sage.
Neuman, LW 2005, Social Research Methods – Qualitative and Quantitative approaches, Chicago, Pearson
Sarantakos, S 2005, Social research, 2nd ed., Macmillan Education Australia, South Melbourne, Vic.
Veal, AJ 2005, Business Research Methods: A Managerial Approach”, Pearson Education.