RSE4801 — Assignment 3
Research Paradigms, Methodology and Decoloniality — Verified Study Solution
This version has been checked against standard research-paradigm theory (Guba & Lincoln's paradigm framework; the four
pillars of ontology, epistemology, axiology and methodology; and Grosfoguel's model of coloniality). Every answer is
followed by a short 'Why this answer works' note explaining the reasoning, so you can use this to actually learn the material
— not just submit it.
Use this as a study guide and to check your own understanding — write your final submission in your own words.
Question 1
1.1 Define a research paradigm
A research paradigm is a set of basic beliefs and assumptions about the nature of reality (ontology), the nature
of knowledge (epistemology), and values or ethics (axiology) that guides a research project. It functions as a
worldview that determines what counts as a legitimate research question, which research types are appropriate,
and which methods are acceptable (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 18–19).
1.2 Five aspects of research influenced by the paradigm
1. Research questions and problem formulation
The paradigm decides what counts as a legitimate problem and how it's framed — e.g. positivism favours
measurable variables, interpretivism favours meaning and subjective experience (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 18–
19).
2. Ontological assumptions
The paradigm shapes whether reality is treated as objective and external (positivism) or socially constructed and
plural (constructivism), which changes how a phenomenon is conceptualised (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 20).
3. Epistemological stance
The paradigm determines what counts as valid knowledge — objective measurement versus interpretation and
meaning-making (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 20).
4. Research methods and data generation
The paradigm guides which methods are appropriate and how they should be interpreted; qualitative interviews
suit interpretivism, surveys suit positivism (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 35).
5. Role of the researcher and ethical stance
The paradigm decides whether the researcher stays distant (positivist) or engages closely (interpretivist), and
what 'ethical' means — from 'do no harm' to actively pursuing social justice (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 20).
1.3 The four pillars of a research paradigm
Every paradigm rests on four interlinked pillars: ontology, epistemology, axiology, and methodology.
1. Ontology — the nature of reality
Ontology asks what exists and what the nature of reality is (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 18). Positivism treats reality
as objective and singular; interpretivism treats it as socially constructed and multiple (RSE4801 Study Guide, p.
Research Paradigms, Methodology and Decoloniality — Verified Study Solution
This version has been checked against standard research-paradigm theory (Guba & Lincoln's paradigm framework; the four
pillars of ontology, epistemology, axiology and methodology; and Grosfoguel's model of coloniality). Every answer is
followed by a short 'Why this answer works' note explaining the reasoning, so you can use this to actually learn the material
— not just submit it.
Use this as a study guide and to check your own understanding — write your final submission in your own words.
Question 1
1.1 Define a research paradigm
A research paradigm is a set of basic beliefs and assumptions about the nature of reality (ontology), the nature
of knowledge (epistemology), and values or ethics (axiology) that guides a research project. It functions as a
worldview that determines what counts as a legitimate research question, which research types are appropriate,
and which methods are acceptable (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 18–19).
1.2 Five aspects of research influenced by the paradigm
1. Research questions and problem formulation
The paradigm decides what counts as a legitimate problem and how it's framed — e.g. positivism favours
measurable variables, interpretivism favours meaning and subjective experience (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 18–
19).
2. Ontological assumptions
The paradigm shapes whether reality is treated as objective and external (positivism) or socially constructed and
plural (constructivism), which changes how a phenomenon is conceptualised (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 20).
3. Epistemological stance
The paradigm determines what counts as valid knowledge — objective measurement versus interpretation and
meaning-making (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 20).
4. Research methods and data generation
The paradigm guides which methods are appropriate and how they should be interpreted; qualitative interviews
suit interpretivism, surveys suit positivism (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 35).
5. Role of the researcher and ethical stance
The paradigm decides whether the researcher stays distant (positivist) or engages closely (interpretivist), and
what 'ethical' means — from 'do no harm' to actively pursuing social justice (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 20).
1.3 The four pillars of a research paradigm
Every paradigm rests on four interlinked pillars: ontology, epistemology, axiology, and methodology.
1. Ontology — the nature of reality
Ontology asks what exists and what the nature of reality is (RSE4801 Study Guide, p. 18). Positivism treats reality
as objective and singular; interpretivism treats it as socially constructed and multiple (RSE4801 Study Guide, p.
