Are you looking for a definition of research paradigm or even want to deepen it? As students, of course we are familiar with the word research. Throughout college, students often come into direct contact with research and matters related to research.
Many courses use research as a basis for learning. Whether it is as a literature study, assignments, and also research conducted independently such as final assignments or theses.
List of contents
What is Research?
Research itself is defined by Hillway (1956), “a study method through a careful process of investigation into a problem aimed at finding the right solution to solve the problem.”
Fellin, Tripodi and Meyer (1996) define research as “A systematic way to increase, modify and improve knowledge. In which, this knowledge can later be delivered and tested by other researchers or subsequent researchers.”
There are many components or things that we need when we are going to conduct research. One of them is the research paradigm that we will use.
What is a Research Paradigm?
A research paradigm is a framework of thought used by researchers in viewing the reality of a problem and theory or science.
Guba and Lincoln (1988) define a research paradigm as a way for researchers to understand certain problems with criteria for testing in order to find solutions to problems.
In general, there are 2 groups of research paradigms that are often used by researchers. The paradigms most widely used by researchers are quantitative and qualitative.
Both paradigms have their own criteria and methods. Both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms have their own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
In addition to these two paradigms, there are also several other underlying research paradigms. Some of these paradigms include the Positivism paradigm, the Constructivism paradigm, the Pragmatism paradigm, the Subjectivism paradigm, and the Critical paradigm.
Types of Research Paradigms
To make it easier for us to understand the research paradigm when compiling a scientific work that you will work on, but it’s a good idea for you to first understand the types of scientific work itself. After you understand, here we discuss the types of research paradigms one by one:
1. Quantitative Research Paradigm
The quantitative paradigm is a paradigm based on the philosophy of positivism, which does not recognize the elements of theology and metaphysics. This paradigm believes that science is the only valid knowledge .
The knowledge in question is knowledge gained from experiences that we have gone through. Where we feel the experience through our senses which will later be processed by our minds . Starting from our own experiences, the object of research is usually not far from the relationship and cause and effect between phenomena or experiences that we have gone through.
Although it comes from our experiences, research is still based on existing facts. In addition to facts, research can also be based on assumptions by looking at existing facts.
So this paradigm uses our assumptions that are built from the facts we obtain from our thinking process of certain phenomena or events. In addition, the Quantitative paradigm has the view that one of the sources of knowledge is rational thinking of empirical data.
This idea is based on the conformity with previous theories which are usually referred to as coherence where in the process, it starts from assumptions or what we usually call hypothesis formulation. To be further verified in order to obtain a new theory.
In viewing an event, the Quantitative paradigm assumes that the variables contained within it can change depending on conditions and situations.
Therefore, in the example of quantitative research paradigms, only certain variables are used. The variables used are usually only those related to the objectives of the research that we will conduct.
2. Qualitative Research Paradigm
Qualitative research paradigm is a research that places humans as the subject of research. This paradigm includes adopting a humanistic model because it makes humans the subject of research in the phenomena or events to be studied.
The qualitative paradigm believes that humans determine their own behavior and the social events that occur. Edmund Husserl’s phenomenological philosophy , which was later developed in sociology by Max Weber, became the basis of this paradigm.
This view considers that human behavior is based on the thoughts or doctrines held by the individual. So when we use the Qualitative paradigm, an event is not only viewed singly. But many aspects, elements, and other things that shape the behavior.
Simply put, we can call it any reason that moves humans to act. Whether it is realized or not by the individual. Basically, this paradigm believes that humans have control to determine their own behavioral choices.
In addition to emphasizing the human itself, the qualitative paradigm considers that events or phenomena must be viewed holistically . It is not enough to just look at the event itself without looking at the reasons or causes of the incident.
When we want to see events accompanied by the causes of their occurrence, then the Qualitative paradigm is the right choice for us to use.
In contrast to the Quantitative research paradigm, the Qualitative research paradigm is not limited to testing hypotheses using previous theories.
That’s a complete discussion of the Quantitative research paradigm and the Qualitative research paradigm.
Types of Research Paradigms
In addition to these two commonly used paradigms, there are also several other research paradigms. It would be good if we discussed together several other research paradigms below.
1. Positivism
This Positivism Paradigm is based on standard and single laws and procedures, where science is considered deductive. In addition, it also involves variables in it. This Positivism Paradigm is the forerunner of the quantitative research paradigm.
2. Constructivism
In contrast to Positivism, the Constructivism paradigm views knowledge or truth as relative . Not only singular, but can change depending on the interpretation of each individual or group. This paradigm is usually widely used in qualitative research.
3. Pragmatism
This paradigm considers that a fact or reality of a phenomenon is not always fixed. It can change at any time. This can change because reality is still and will continue to be negotiable or bargained.
Basically, the Pragmatism paradigm is a combination of the Positivism paradigm and the Constructivism paradigm.
4. Subjectivity
The researcher’s view is the main focus of the Subjectivity paradigm. Subjectivity believes that the researcher’s view and interpretation are important factors in research.
The researcher’s interpretation in viewing an event or incident is considered as reality.
5. Critical Paradigm
In contrast to the previous paradigm, this critical paradigm believes that the reality that occurs is the result of a system that has been constructed.
In addition, the events or phenomena that occur have been controlled by the parties or groups in power. It does not run naturally, even by chance. However, it has indeed been designed in such a way to form this reality.
Function of Research Paradigm
The function of the research paradigm is to provide a philosophical and methodological framework that is used. Here are some functions of the research paradigm that you need to know:
Providing a Philosophical Foundation
Paradigms provide a philosophical foundation that can provide readers with an understanding of reality, knowledge, and the research methods used. This way, you can understand the reasons why they do research.
Directing Research Methodology
In addition to being a philosophical basis, paradigms also influence the selection of research methods being used. For example, the positivist paradigm tends to use quantitative methods, while constructive uses qualitative methods.
Identifying Research Questions
Another thing you need to know is to help formulate research questions that are relevant and in accordance with the theoretical approach being used.
Directing Data Analysis
Research paradigms serve to influence how data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted. For example, the positivist paradigm tends to use static data analysis, while the constructivist paradigm uses interpretive analysis.
Conclusion
As a step to compile a scientific research paper, it is necessary to know many reference sources, so that the desired results are achieved optimally.
Whatever type of paradigm you will use, it must have a bibliography or reference base, such as the following recommended books:
Well, above is a discussion of several existing research paradigms. From the common and frequently used ones, to those that we may rarely use.
Hopefully by reading this, it will make it easier for us to better understand the research methodology that we have discussed together.