, RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 14 AUGUST 2026
Question 1
1.1: Define what is a research paradigm? (3 Marks)
A research paradigm is a philosophical framework or worldview that guides the entire
research process. It consists of a set of beliefs, assumptions, and principles about the
nature of reality, how knowledge is created, and the most appropriate methods for
investigating a research problem. A research paradigm influences how researchers
formulate research questions, collect and analyse data, and interpret findings (Creswell
& Creswell, 2018). In essence, it provides a foundation that ensures consistency
between the researcher's beliefs and the research methods selected (Maree, 2020).
1.2: In the context of your research, which five (5) specific aspects in your
research are influenced by the paradigm? (5 Marks)
The research paradigm influences several important aspects of a research study. These
include:
1. The research problem
The paradigm shapes how the research problem is identified and understood by
determining whether the focus is on objective measurement or subjective experiences
(Creswell & Creswell, 2018).
2. Research methodology
It determines whether the researcher adopts a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-
methods approach depending on the assumptions of the paradigm (Maree, 2020).
3. Data collection methods
The selected paradigm influences the methods used to gather data, such as
questionnaires, interviews, observations, or document analysis.
4. Data analysis
The paradigm determines whether data are analysed statistically, thematically, or
through other analytical techniques appropriate to the worldview guiding the study.
DUE DATE: 14 AUGUST 2026
Question 1
1.1: Define what is a research paradigm? (3 Marks)
A research paradigm is a philosophical framework or worldview that guides the entire
research process. It consists of a set of beliefs, assumptions, and principles about the
nature of reality, how knowledge is created, and the most appropriate methods for
investigating a research problem. A research paradigm influences how researchers
formulate research questions, collect and analyse data, and interpret findings (Creswell
& Creswell, 2018). In essence, it provides a foundation that ensures consistency
between the researcher's beliefs and the research methods selected (Maree, 2020).
1.2: In the context of your research, which five (5) specific aspects in your
research are influenced by the paradigm? (5 Marks)
The research paradigm influences several important aspects of a research study. These
include:
1. The research problem
The paradigm shapes how the research problem is identified and understood by
determining whether the focus is on objective measurement or subjective experiences
(Creswell & Creswell, 2018).
2. Research methodology
It determines whether the researcher adopts a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-
methods approach depending on the assumptions of the paradigm (Maree, 2020).
3. Data collection methods
The selected paradigm influences the methods used to gather data, such as
questionnaires, interviews, observations, or document analysis.
4. Data analysis
The paradigm determines whether data are analysed statistically, thematically, or
through other analytical techniques appropriate to the worldview guiding the study.
