It operates by laws of cause and effect that we could discern if we apply the unique approach of the scientific method. Science is largely a mechanical affair. The key approach of the scientific method is the experiment, the attempt to discern natural laws through direct manipulation and observation.
However, since the middle part of the 20th century things have changed in our views of science. Probably the most important has been our shift away from positivism into what is called post-positivism. Positivist and post-positivist designs are on a continuum between the quantitative and qualitative paradigms paradigm can be described as a worldview that underlies theory.
According to Krauss , the paradigm the researcher selects determines the research methodology. The post-positivist paradigm evolved from the positivist paradigm. It is concerned with the subjectivity of reality and moves away from the purely objective stance adopted by the logical positivists Ryan, The post-positivist perspective is that not everything is completely knowable Krauss, This true reality is attainable and can be identified and measured.
Positivism sets out to predict and control reality. It strongly focuses on the deterministic view of cause and effect causality which derives from deductive reasoning that research is guided by theory Kinsler, When the theory does not correspond to reality, it is revised to better predict outcomes.
This causation should only be based on empirical evidence the core of empiricism is measurement and observation on how reality is perceived or understood Waismann, Also called the natural sciences model, as positivism originated from natural sciences, this knowledge is measured against empirical evidence Goodwin, Here is part 2: Positivism v.
Postpositivism Perspectives , where we will discuss various positivist perspectives. We would love to hear from you. Contact us at info reprac. References Part Huizen: Johannes van Kessel Publishing. Alvesson, M. Reflexive methodology: New vistas for qualitative research. London: Sage. Bornmann, L. Creswell, J. Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research.
The social scientists did not engage in research within laboratories. Their laboratory was the society where the movements, relationships of people could not be controlled. Knowledge was gained through the study of human attitudes, relationships, life stories, etc. Positivists believed that these did not have an objective basis. Post-positivism came about in the 20th century. This was not a mere revision of positivism, but a complete rejection of the core values of positivism. Post-positivism points out that scientific reasoning is quite similar to our common sense reasoning.
This denotes that our individual understanding of day to day life is similar to the understanding of the scientist. The only difference is that a scientist would use a procedure in order to arrive at conclusions, unlike a lay person.
Unlike positivists, post-positivists point out that our observations cannot always be relied upon as they can also be subjected to error.
This is why post-positivists are considered as critical realists, who are critical of the reality that they study. Since they are critical of reality, post-positivists do not rely on a single method of scientific inquiry.
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