Research Design and Methods - Coursework Example

Research according to Jupp (2006) entails exploration, analysis, interpretation and the creation of understanding of varied phenomena which are educational in nature, and pertains a formalized and gradual occurrence of social, cultural and psychological processes. This implies that it deals with educational concerns in which there are possibilities of carrying out satisfactory investigation. Similarly, “…the methods which enable such satisfactory investigations and the utility of the results emanating from the investigation are important.

” (Dash 1993). The theoretical questions in education result from varied concepts and social understandings of the same. For this reasons, a number of varied paradigms have been brought forward to explain the criteria depending on the methodology selected and the definitions of the concerns for the inquiry. A paradigm, according to Kuhn (1962) “…an integrated cluster of substantive, concepts, variables and problems attached with corresponding methodological approach and tools” (p.52). Positivism paradigm- The paradigm explores social reality and is anchored on ideas of August Conte, a French philosopher.

Conte postulates that the two key aspects of observation and reason inform the understanding of human behavior. He underscores the knowledge is based on sensual experience which is obtained through experimentation and observation. His scientific method is, therefore, used by positivistic thinkers to generate knowledge. There are a number of assumptions under the positivism, which are vital in helping to understand the paradigm. However, these assumptions at some point have been considered as separate paradigms of their own.

They include; the assumption of ‘Parsimony’, the assumption of ‘Empiricism’ the assumption of ‘Generality’ and the assumption of ‘Determinism’ which form the framework within which the paradigm is