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Positivism & Empiricism in Research Methods

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Demonstrate your understanding of the nature of the three major research methods by describing and comparing the foundations of quantitative, qualitative & mixed-methods research. What are the main philosophical ideas behind each method? Make sure to explore how the following epistemologies about truth apply: positivism, rationalism and empiricism.

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Solution Summary

The solution looks at the use of positivism, rationalism and empiricism in the 3 main research methods: quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods. In a concise discussion,the foundational perspectives in relation to how truth/knowledge can be established in each of the methods is explained. References have been listed for further exploration of the topic.

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Dear Student,
Hello once again. It would help very much if you review your current class materials in relation to the varied methods of research and the use of philosophical perspectives. The concise solution below should get you started. Good luck with your studies!

Sincerely,
OTA 105878/Xenia Jones
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The Foundation of Quantitative Method

The philosophical de-facto position in all scientific research is empiricism however, in the case of quantitative research where primary data source as numeric in nature, positivism, a type of empirical research assumes key position, in other words, empirical positivism is the foundation of quantitative research. Positivism holds that natural and social phenomenon can only be truly understood via the scientific method. This then in turn means that only the scientific method can establish 'truth'. Truth in positivism equates to 'authentic knowledge' based on sense, ...

Solution provided by:
Xenia Rochelle Jones, MA, PhD (IP)
Education
  • MPhil/PhD (IP), Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • MA, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • Certificate, Geva Ulpan (via Universita Tel Aviv)
  • BA, University of the Philippines
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