, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
MEMO
DUE DATE: AUGUST 2026
Question 1
1.1 Define what is a research paradigm? (3)
A research paradigm is a broad philosophical framework that guides the entire research process.
It provides the beliefs and assumptions that researchers hold regarding the nature of reality, how
knowledge is created, and the most appropriate methods for investigating a particular
phenomenon. The selected paradigm influences the researcher's approach to identifying research
problems, collecting data, interpreting findings, and drawing conclusions. It therefore serves as
the foundation upon which every aspect of a research study is built, ensuring consistency
between the research objectives, methodology, and methods employed (Creswell & Creswell,
2023). A research paradigm also shapes the relationship between the researcher and the
participants by determining whether reality is viewed as objective and measurable or as socially
constructed through human experiences (Maree, 2020).
1.2 In the context of your research, which five (5) specific aspects in your research are
influenced by the paradigm? (5)
Within any research study, the chosen research paradigm influences several important aspects of
the investigation.
Firstly, it determines the research problem and purpose by influencing how the issue under
investigation is understood and what the researcher intends to achieve.
Secondly, it influences the research methodology, determining whether the study adopts a
qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods approach that aligns with the underlying
philosophical assumptions (Creswell & Creswell, 2023).
Thirdly, the paradigm shapes the data collection methods used during the research process. For
example, positivist studies commonly rely on structured questionnaires and experiments,
whereas interpretivist studies often employ interviews, observations and focus groups to obtain
detailed perspectives (Maree, 2020).
RSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
MEMO
DUE DATE: AUGUST 2026
Question 1
1.1 Define what is a research paradigm? (3)
A research paradigm is a broad philosophical framework that guides the entire research process.
It provides the beliefs and assumptions that researchers hold regarding the nature of reality, how
knowledge is created, and the most appropriate methods for investigating a particular
phenomenon. The selected paradigm influences the researcher's approach to identifying research
problems, collecting data, interpreting findings, and drawing conclusions. It therefore serves as
the foundation upon which every aspect of a research study is built, ensuring consistency
between the research objectives, methodology, and methods employed (Creswell & Creswell,
2023). A research paradigm also shapes the relationship between the researcher and the
participants by determining whether reality is viewed as objective and measurable or as socially
constructed through human experiences (Maree, 2020).
1.2 In the context of your research, which five (5) specific aspects in your research are
influenced by the paradigm? (5)
Within any research study, the chosen research paradigm influences several important aspects of
the investigation.
Firstly, it determines the research problem and purpose by influencing how the issue under
investigation is understood and what the researcher intends to achieve.
Secondly, it influences the research methodology, determining whether the study adopts a
qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods approach that aligns with the underlying
philosophical assumptions (Creswell & Creswell, 2023).
Thirdly, the paradigm shapes the data collection methods used during the research process. For
example, positivist studies commonly rely on structured questionnaires and experiments,
whereas interpretivist studies often employ interviews, observations and focus groups to obtain
detailed perspectives (Maree, 2020).
