RSE4801
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 14 AUGUST 2026
,RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
DUE 14 AUGUST 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define what is a research paradigm?
A research paradigm is a basic set of beliefs, assumptions and theories that guide how
research is done. It is like a lens or a framework through which researchers look at the
world and their research. According to the study guide, a paradigm tells the researcher
what counts as real, what counts as knowledge, and how knowledge should be
discovered (RSE4801, 2026, Unit 3, p. 11). It shapes every part of the research
process, from the questions asked to the methods used.
1.2 In the context of your research. Which five (5) specific aspects in your
research are influenced by the paradigm? (5)
In my research, the paradigm influences these five aspects (RSE4801, 2026, Unit 3, p.
11):
The research questions I ask - My paradigm determines what I see as important
to investigate and what questions are worth asking.
The research type or design I choose - My paradigm guides me toward certain
research designs that fit with my beliefs about reality and knowledge.
The methods I use to generate data - My paradigm influences whether I use
interviews, observations, surveys or other methods to gather information.
How I analyse and interpret data - My paradigm shapes how I make sense of the
information I collect and what I see as meaningful findings.
, What I consider valid and valuable research - My paradigm determines my
standards for what counts as good, trustworthy research (Denzin & Lincoln, 2018,
cited in RSE4801, 2026, Unit 6, p. 25).
1.3 Every paradigm rests on four pillars. Mention and discuss each of the four
pillars of a research paradigm
The four pillars of a research paradigm are ontology, epistemology, methodology and
axiology (RSE4801, 2026, Unit 3, p. 11; Scotland, 2012).
1. Ontology - The nature of reality
Ontology asks: "What is real?" It is about the nature of existence and reality (Scotland,
2012, cited in RSE4801, 2026, Unit 3, p. 12). It deals with questions like: Is there one
objective reality that exists independently of us, or are there multiple realities that
people construct? For example, a positivist believes reality is objective and exists out
there, while an interpretivist believes reality is socially constructed by people.
2. Epistemology - The nature of knowledge
Epistemology asks: "What can we know and how can we know it?" It deals with
questions about knowledge, truth and how we come to know things. It asks: Can we
know things objectively, or is all knowledge subjective and shaped by our experiences?
For example, positivists believe knowledge can be discovered objectively, while
interpretivists believe knowledge is constructed through human interaction (RSE4801,
2026, Unit 3, p. 12).
3. Methodology - How we find out
Methodology asks: "How do we go about finding knowledge?" It is about the overall
strategy and approach to research (Scotland, 2012, cited in RSE4801, 2026, Unit 3, p.
12). It deals with questions like: Should we use quantitative methods like surveys and
experiments, or qualitative methods like interviews and observations? The methodology
is guided by the ontology and epistemology of the paradigm.
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 14 AUGUST 2026
,RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
DUE 14 AUGUST 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define what is a research paradigm?
A research paradigm is a basic set of beliefs, assumptions and theories that guide how
research is done. It is like a lens or a framework through which researchers look at the
world and their research. According to the study guide, a paradigm tells the researcher
what counts as real, what counts as knowledge, and how knowledge should be
discovered (RSE4801, 2026, Unit 3, p. 11). It shapes every part of the research
process, from the questions asked to the methods used.
1.2 In the context of your research. Which five (5) specific aspects in your
research are influenced by the paradigm? (5)
In my research, the paradigm influences these five aspects (RSE4801, 2026, Unit 3, p.
11):
The research questions I ask - My paradigm determines what I see as important
to investigate and what questions are worth asking.
The research type or design I choose - My paradigm guides me toward certain
research designs that fit with my beliefs about reality and knowledge.
The methods I use to generate data - My paradigm influences whether I use
interviews, observations, surveys or other methods to gather information.
How I analyse and interpret data - My paradigm shapes how I make sense of the
information I collect and what I see as meaningful findings.
, What I consider valid and valuable research - My paradigm determines my
standards for what counts as good, trustworthy research (Denzin & Lincoln, 2018,
cited in RSE4801, 2026, Unit 6, p. 25).
1.3 Every paradigm rests on four pillars. Mention and discuss each of the four
pillars of a research paradigm
The four pillars of a research paradigm are ontology, epistemology, methodology and
axiology (RSE4801, 2026, Unit 3, p. 11; Scotland, 2012).
1. Ontology - The nature of reality
Ontology asks: "What is real?" It is about the nature of existence and reality (Scotland,
2012, cited in RSE4801, 2026, Unit 3, p. 12). It deals with questions like: Is there one
objective reality that exists independently of us, or are there multiple realities that
people construct? For example, a positivist believes reality is objective and exists out
there, while an interpretivist believes reality is socially constructed by people.
2. Epistemology - The nature of knowledge
Epistemology asks: "What can we know and how can we know it?" It deals with
questions about knowledge, truth and how we come to know things. It asks: Can we
know things objectively, or is all knowledge subjective and shaped by our experiences?
For example, positivists believe knowledge can be discovered objectively, while
interpretivists believe knowledge is constructed through human interaction (RSE4801,
2026, Unit 3, p. 12).
3. Methodology - How we find out
Methodology asks: "How do we go about finding knowledge?" It is about the overall
strategy and approach to research (Scotland, 2012, cited in RSE4801, 2026, Unit 3, p.
12). It deals with questions like: Should we use quantitative methods like surveys and
experiments, or qualitative methods like interviews and observations? The methodology
is guided by the ontology and epistemology of the paradigm.
