HOPEACADEMY
RSE 4801
ASSIGNMENT 03
Open date : Friday, 17 2026
Due: Friday, 14 August 2026,
2026
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
, RSE4801 Assignment :3 Learning Unit 3: Research Paradigms
Open date : Friday, 17 2026
Due date : Due: Friday, 14 August 2026,
Question 1
1.1 Define what is a research paradigm
A research paradigm is the worldview or belief system that guides how a researcher
understands reality and chooses methods to study it. It includes assumptions about
what knowledge is, how it can be discovered, and what counts as truth. Creswell (2018)
explains that paradigms shape the entire research process, from the questions asked to
the way data is analysed. For example, a positivist paradigm assumes reality can be
measured objectively, while an interpretivist paradigm focuses on understanding
meanings and experiences. Kivunja (2017) adds that paradigms act like “lenses” through
which researchers view their studies, making them essential for clarity and consistency in
academic work.
References
Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
Kivunja, C. (2017). Distinguishing between theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual
framework: A systematic review of lessons from the field. International Journal of Higher
Education, 6(6), 44–52. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v6n6p44 (doi.org in Bing)
1.2 In the context of your research. Which five (5) specific aspects in your research
are influenced by the paradigm ?
In the context of my research, the paradigm influences five specific aspects. First, it
shapes the research questions, since the worldview determines what is worth asking.
Creswell (2018) explains that paradigms guide the framing of problems. Second, it
affects the methodology, deciding whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods
are used. Third, it influences data collection techniques, such as interviews or surveys.
Fourth, it directs data analysis, since positivist approaches rely on statistics while
RSE 4801
ASSIGNMENT 03
Open date : Friday, 17 2026
Due: Friday, 14 August 2026,
2026
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
, RSE4801 Assignment :3 Learning Unit 3: Research Paradigms
Open date : Friday, 17 2026
Due date : Due: Friday, 14 August 2026,
Question 1
1.1 Define what is a research paradigm
A research paradigm is the worldview or belief system that guides how a researcher
understands reality and chooses methods to study it. It includes assumptions about
what knowledge is, how it can be discovered, and what counts as truth. Creswell (2018)
explains that paradigms shape the entire research process, from the questions asked to
the way data is analysed. For example, a positivist paradigm assumes reality can be
measured objectively, while an interpretivist paradigm focuses on understanding
meanings and experiences. Kivunja (2017) adds that paradigms act like “lenses” through
which researchers view their studies, making them essential for clarity and consistency in
academic work.
References
Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
Kivunja, C. (2017). Distinguishing between theory, theoretical framework, and conceptual
framework: A systematic review of lessons from the field. International Journal of Higher
Education, 6(6), 44–52. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v6n6p44 (doi.org in Bing)
1.2 In the context of your research. Which five (5) specific aspects in your research
are influenced by the paradigm ?
In the context of my research, the paradigm influences five specific aspects. First, it
shapes the research questions, since the worldview determines what is worth asking.
Creswell (2018) explains that paradigms guide the framing of problems. Second, it
affects the methodology, deciding whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods
are used. Third, it influences data collection techniques, such as interviews or surveys.
Fourth, it directs data analysis, since positivist approaches rely on statistics while
