RSE4801
ASSIGNMENT 3
ANSWERS 2025
RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 3 ANSWERS
2025
, RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 3
Comparing and Contrasting Research Paradigms: Ontological and Epistemological
Assumptions and Their Contribution to Education
This essay will compare and contrast the ontological and epistemological
assumptions that underpin six prominent research paradigms: Positivism,
Interpretivism, Critical Theory, Postmodernism, Critical Realism, and Decoloniality.
Subsequently, it will argue that while each paradigm offers valuable insights, Critical
Realism makes the strongest contribution to education due to its ability to navigate
the complexities of social reality, acknowledge the influence of power structures, and
offer practical solutions grounded in empirical evidence.
**Understanding Ontology and Epistemology**
Before delving into the paradigms, it's crucial to define ontology and epistemology.
**Ontology** concerns the nature of reality – what exists, its properties, and its
relationships. It addresses questions like: Is there an objective reality independent of
our perception? Is reality socially constructed? **Epistemology** concerns the
nature of knowledge – how we know what we know, the criteria for valid knowledge,
ASSIGNMENT 3
ANSWERS 2025
RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 3 ANSWERS
2025
, RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 3
Comparing and Contrasting Research Paradigms: Ontological and Epistemological
Assumptions and Their Contribution to Education
This essay will compare and contrast the ontological and epistemological
assumptions that underpin six prominent research paradigms: Positivism,
Interpretivism, Critical Theory, Postmodernism, Critical Realism, and Decoloniality.
Subsequently, it will argue that while each paradigm offers valuable insights, Critical
Realism makes the strongest contribution to education due to its ability to navigate
the complexities of social reality, acknowledge the influence of power structures, and
offer practical solutions grounded in empirical evidence.
**Understanding Ontology and Epistemology**
Before delving into the paradigms, it's crucial to define ontology and epistemology.
**Ontology** concerns the nature of reality – what exists, its properties, and its
relationships. It addresses questions like: Is there an objective reality independent of
our perception? Is reality socially constructed? **Epistemology** concerns the
nature of knowledge – how we know what we know, the criteria for valid knowledge,
