Assignment 3
DUE 7 August 2025
,RSE4801
Assignment 3
DUE 7 August 2025
Comparing Ontological and Epistemological Assumptions of Research Paradigms
, Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 4
2. Positivism .................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Ontological Assumptions ....................................................................................... 5
2.2 Epistemological Assumptions ................................................................................ 5
2.3 Methodological Implications ................................................................................... 5
2.4 Relevance to Education ......................................................................................... 6
3. Interpretivism ............................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Ontological Assumptions ....................................................................................... 7
3.2 Epistemological Assumptions ................................................................................ 7
3.3 Methodological Implications ................................................................................... 7
3.4 Relevance to Education ......................................................................................... 8
4. Critical Theory ............................................................................................................. 9
4.1 Ontological Assumptions ....................................................................................... 9
4.2 Epistemological Assumptions ................................................................................ 9
4.3 Methodological Implications ................................................................................... 9
4.4 Relevance to Education ....................................................................................... 10
5. Postmodernism ......................................................................................................... 11
5.1 Ontological Assumptions ..................................................................................... 11
5.2 Epistemological Assumptions .............................................................................. 11
5.3 Methodological Implications ................................................................................. 11
5.4 Relevance to Education ....................................................................................... 12
6. Critical Realism ......................................................................................................... 13
6.1 Ontological Assumptions ..................................................................................... 13
6.2 Epistemological Assumptions .............................................................................. 13