RSE4801
ASSIGNMENT 3
SEMESTER 2 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 14 AUGUST 2026
,Research in Education - RSE4801
Assignment 3 2026
Question 1 (30 Marks)
1.1 Define what is a research paradigm. (3 Marks)
A research paradigm is a broad framework or worldview that guides how research is
conducted. It consists of the beliefs, assumptions, and values that influence how a researcher
understands reality, acquires knowledge, chooses research methods, and interprets findings. A
research paradigm provides the foundation for every stage of the research process, from
formulating research questions to drawing conclusions. Researchers select a paradigm based on
the nature of the problem they wish to investigate and the type of knowledge they seek to
produce.
1.2 In the context of your research, which five (5) specific aspects in your research are
influenced by the paradigm? (5 Marks)
1. Research problem
o The paradigm shapes how the research problem is identified and understood. For
example, an interpretivist researcher focuses on understanding participants'
experiences, while a positivist researcher seeks measurable relationships.
2. Research questions
o The paradigm determines whether research questions are exploratory,
explanatory, or predictive. Interpretivist studies ask "how" and "why" questions,
whereas positivist studies ask questions that can be tested statistically.
3. Research methodology
o The chosen paradigm guides whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods
approaches are appropriate for answering the research questions.
4. Data collection methods
, o A paradigm influences the selection of data collection techniques such as
interviews, observations, questionnaires, focus groups, or experiments.
5. Data analysis and interpretation
o The paradigm determines how data are analysed. Qualitative paradigms use
thematic or content analysis to interpret meanings, while quantitative paradigms
use statistical analysis to identify patterns and relationships.
1.3 Every paradigm rests on four pillars. Mention and discuss each of the four pillars of a
research paradigm. (12 Marks)
Every research paradigm is built upon four fundamental philosophical assumptions or pillars.
1. Ontology (Nature of Reality)
Ontology concerns the researcher's beliefs about the nature of reality. It addresses questions such
as whether reality exists independently of human beings or whether reality is socially constructed
through human interaction.
For example, a positivist researcher believes that reality exists objectively and can be measured,
while an interpretivist believes that individuals experience reality differently depending on their
social and cultural contexts.
2. Epistemology (Nature of Knowledge)
Epistemology focuses on how knowledge is created, acquired, and validated. It examines the
relationship between the researcher and what is being studied.
Positivists believe that researchers should remain objective and detached from participants to
obtain unbiased knowledge. In contrast, interpretivists argue that knowledge is co-created
through interaction between researchers and participants.
3. Axiology (Role of Values)
ASSIGNMENT 3
SEMESTER 2 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 14 AUGUST 2026
,Research in Education - RSE4801
Assignment 3 2026
Question 1 (30 Marks)
1.1 Define what is a research paradigm. (3 Marks)
A research paradigm is a broad framework or worldview that guides how research is
conducted. It consists of the beliefs, assumptions, and values that influence how a researcher
understands reality, acquires knowledge, chooses research methods, and interprets findings. A
research paradigm provides the foundation for every stage of the research process, from
formulating research questions to drawing conclusions. Researchers select a paradigm based on
the nature of the problem they wish to investigate and the type of knowledge they seek to
produce.
1.2 In the context of your research, which five (5) specific aspects in your research are
influenced by the paradigm? (5 Marks)
1. Research problem
o The paradigm shapes how the research problem is identified and understood. For
example, an interpretivist researcher focuses on understanding participants'
experiences, while a positivist researcher seeks measurable relationships.
2. Research questions
o The paradigm determines whether research questions are exploratory,
explanatory, or predictive. Interpretivist studies ask "how" and "why" questions,
whereas positivist studies ask questions that can be tested statistically.
3. Research methodology
o The chosen paradigm guides whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods
approaches are appropriate for answering the research questions.
4. Data collection methods
, o A paradigm influences the selection of data collection techniques such as
interviews, observations, questionnaires, focus groups, or experiments.
5. Data analysis and interpretation
o The paradigm determines how data are analysed. Qualitative paradigms use
thematic or content analysis to interpret meanings, while quantitative paradigms
use statistical analysis to identify patterns and relationships.
1.3 Every paradigm rests on four pillars. Mention and discuss each of the four pillars of a
research paradigm. (12 Marks)
Every research paradigm is built upon four fundamental philosophical assumptions or pillars.
1. Ontology (Nature of Reality)
Ontology concerns the researcher's beliefs about the nature of reality. It addresses questions such
as whether reality exists independently of human beings or whether reality is socially constructed
through human interaction.
For example, a positivist researcher believes that reality exists objectively and can be measured,
while an interpretivist believes that individuals experience reality differently depending on their
social and cultural contexts.
2. Epistemology (Nature of Knowledge)
Epistemology focuses on how knowledge is created, acquired, and validated. It examines the
relationship between the researcher and what is being studied.
Positivists believe that researchers should remain objective and detached from participants to
obtain unbiased knowledge. In contrast, interpretivists argue that knowledge is co-created
through interaction between researchers and participants.
3. Axiology (Role of Values)
