RSE4801
Assignment 3
Due 7 August 2025
, RSE4801
Assignment 3 (2025)
Comparing Educational Research Paradigms: Ontological and Epistemological
Foundations and Their Influence
Introduction
Educational research is fundamentally shaped by the questions we ask about reality
and knowledge—specifically, What exists? and How do we come to know it? These
questions relate to ontology (our beliefs about the nature of reality) and epistemology
(our understanding of knowledge and how it is acquired). These foundational beliefs
inform research paradigms—overarching frameworks that determine how studies are
planned, what methods are used, and how findings are interpreted.
This essay provides a critical comparison of six significant research paradigms:
Positivism, Interpretivism, Critical Theory, Postmodernism, Critical Realism, and
Decoloniality. Each paradigm is analyzed based on its ontological and epistemological
principles. The essay then explores how these paradigms influence educational
research and evaluates which approach most effectively contributes to educational
improvement.
1. Positivism
Ontological Position
Positivism holds that reality is objective and external, existing independently of human
experiences or beliefs. According to this view, the world is governed by observable and
measurable facts, and these truths remain constant regardless of individual
perspectives (Cohen, Manion & Morrison, 2018).
Epistemological Position
Knowledge within positivism is gained through empirical observation and scientific
investigation. Researchers aim to remain neutral and detached, using quantitative
Assignment 3
Due 7 August 2025
, RSE4801
Assignment 3 (2025)
Comparing Educational Research Paradigms: Ontological and Epistemological
Foundations and Their Influence
Introduction
Educational research is fundamentally shaped by the questions we ask about reality
and knowledge—specifically, What exists? and How do we come to know it? These
questions relate to ontology (our beliefs about the nature of reality) and epistemology
(our understanding of knowledge and how it is acquired). These foundational beliefs
inform research paradigms—overarching frameworks that determine how studies are
planned, what methods are used, and how findings are interpreted.
This essay provides a critical comparison of six significant research paradigms:
Positivism, Interpretivism, Critical Theory, Postmodernism, Critical Realism, and
Decoloniality. Each paradigm is analyzed based on its ontological and epistemological
principles. The essay then explores how these paradigms influence educational
research and evaluates which approach most effectively contributes to educational
improvement.
1. Positivism
Ontological Position
Positivism holds that reality is objective and external, existing independently of human
experiences or beliefs. According to this view, the world is governed by observable and
measurable facts, and these truths remain constant regardless of individual
perspectives (Cohen, Manion & Morrison, 2018).
Epistemological Position
Knowledge within positivism is gained through empirical observation and scientific
investigation. Researchers aim to remain neutral and detached, using quantitative
