Introduction
The understanding of various approaches to identification of reality, objectivity and subjectivity of knowledge, systems of research, and methods of data collection and analysis is highly significant for modern scholars. Theoretical structure and belief system form a research paradigm, and a positivism research paradigm applies to objective investigations based on a structured system of observation. The purpose of this work is to identify a research paradigm, analyse the connection of positivism research paradigm with quantitative research, and investigate deductive and inductive reasoning approaches.
Research Paradigm
Rehman and Alharthi (2016) define a research paradigm as a “basic belief system and theoretical framework” (p. 51). It consists of four elements – ontology, epistemology, methodology, and methods (Antwi, & Hamza, 2015). Ontology refers to researchers’ beliefs about reality and its functioning. Epistemology occupies with the essence of knowledge and investigates the patterns in which knowledge is purchased and verified.
The epistemological question for every scholar is the selection between subjectivity and objectivity defined by the ontological perception of reality (Aliyu et al., 2014). Methodology presents the strategy of research, and it is a critical analysis of the required data and methods of its collection. Methods are specific activities for data collection and evaluation, and methods are defined by the researcher’s belief system and theoretical basis. Ontology and epistemology of research do not influence its methods.
Positivism Research Paradigm and Its Relation to Quantitative Researches
Positivism research paradigm concerns exceptionally objective knowledge which can be observed and validated. In positivism studies, scholars are limited by data collection through observation and interpretation of its results in an objective credible manner. The philosophy of positivism distinguishes the world as independent, observable constituents which interact in determined, disciplined, and observable ways (Dudovskiy, n.d.).
Since the research is “the process, which aims to discover and interpret the facts that are inserted in a certain reality” (Queirós, Faria, & Almeida, 2017, p. 370), scientists distinguish quantitative and qualitative researches. Quantitative research focuses on objectivity and clearly defined classification of collected data, and all procedures and methods of data collection are identified and approved (Anney, 2015). Positivism paradigm is related to quantitative research as the objectivity of data, quantifiable observation as a research method, and non-intervention of scholar’s interests are common elements for these approaches (Choy, 2014).
Deductive and Inductive Reasoning Approaches
Deductive reasoning approach focuses on a certain hypothesis based on existing theory. The strategy and methods of research are formulated, and the hypothesis is subsequently confirmed through observation and data collection. Deductive approach implicates the reasoning from the particular to the general (Zalaghi, & Khazaei, 2016). Deductive structured approach is used in quantitative research as the data should be quantified and validated, all methods are scientifically approved and highly structured. For instance, the employment data from 110 offices were analysed to verify the hypothesis that employee turnover and company activity have a “reversed U shaped relationship” (Tariq, 2015, p. 230), the conducted research discovered the hypothesised curvilinear dependence.
Inductive reasoning approach alternatively concentrates on reasoning from particular observations to general theory. This empirical approach is related to qualitative research as a data is not quantified, the results are analysed according to the experience, senses, and beliefs of a particular scholar (Leung, 2015). Qualitative research is a “subjective approach to explain daily life experiences and to further give them meaning” (Khan, 2014, p. 300).
For instance, during the observation of 200 customers, 195 of them were noticed in shops with the lowest prices, and only five customers attended local shops to support domestic producers (“Methods of economic analysis,” n.d.).From this observation, it is possible to make the conclusion that people prefer to buy cheap products unless they support local market regardless of prices.
References
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