(M Saunders, 2009) Introduction

Research philosophy refers to the set of beliefs, principles, and assumptions that underlie the
research process. It provides a framework for researchers to guide their research design,
methodology, and interpretation of findings (M Saunders, 2009) . There are several different
research philosophies, each with its own approach to understanding and explaining social
phenomena.
Positivism, for example, emphasizes the use of empirical observation and experimentation to
establish objective knowledge. Interpretivism, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance
of understanding the subjective experiences and interpretations of individuals. Realism
emphasizes the existence of an objective reality that is independent of human perception,
while pragmatism emphasizes the importance of practical outcomes and the usefulness of
research findings. Constructivism emphasizes the importance of social constructions and
shared meanings in shaping social reality (Hallihan, 2013).
Each of these research philosophies shapes the way researchers approach their work and the
types of questions they ask, as well as the methods they use and the way they interpret their
findings. Understanding the different research philosophies and their underlying assumptions
is important for researchers to critically evaluate and choose appropriate research methods,
and to ensure that their research questions and findings align with their philosophical beliefs
and values.
Positivism
Positivism is a research philosophy that emphasizes the use of empirical observation and
experimentation to establish objective knowledge. Positivists believe that the scientific
method can be applied to all areas of inquiry, including the social sciences. Positivists argue
that social reality can be studied using the same methods and principles that are used in the
natural sciences, and that social phenomena can be explained by identifying the laws and
principles that govern them (Guest, 2006).

In positivist research, data is often collected through methods such as surveys, experiments,
and statistical analysis, which allow researchers to test hypotheses and establish causal
relationships between variables (Easterby-Smith M., 2012). Positivists seek to explain social
phenomena by identifying the variables that are associated with them and by establishing the
strength and direction of those associations.

Positivism has been influential in fields such as psychology, economics, and political science.
It has been used to explore a wide range of topics, such as human behaviour, economic
markets, and political institutions. However, positivism has also been criticized for being
reductionist and oversimplifying complex social phenomena, as it can be difficult to capture
the full complexity of social reality in quantitative data. Additionally, positivism has been
criticized for being value-neutral, as it does not take into account the subjective experiences
and interpretations of individuals.
Interpretivism
Interpretivism is a research philosophy that emphasizes the importance of understanding the
subjective experiences and interpretations of individuals. Interpretivists believe that social
phenomena are complex and cannot be reduced to simple cause-and-effect relationships.
Instead, they argue that social reality is constructed through the meanings and interpretations
that people give to their experiences. Therefore, interpretivists seek to gain an in-depth
understanding of the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals or groups, rather
than seeking to establish objective, universal truths (Boyatzis, 1998).

In interpretive research, data is often collected through methods such as interviews, focus
groups, and participant observation, which allow researchers to explore the subjective
experiences and meanings that people attach to their actions and interactions. Interpretive
research often involves the use of qualitative data analysis techniques, such as content
analysis or discourse analysis, to identify patterns and themes in the data.

Interpretivism has been influential in fields such as sociology, anthropology, and cultural
studies. It has been used to explore a wide range of topics, such as social norms, cultural
practices, and the construction of identities (Denscombe, 2014). However, interpretivism has
also been criticized for being too subjective and lacking scientific rigor, as it can be difficult
to establish the validity and reliability of interpretive research findings.
Pragmatism
Pragmatism is a research philosophy that emphasizes the importance of practical outcomes
and the usefulness of research findings. Pragmatists believe that research should be guided by
the needs of society and that research methods should be chosen based on their practical
effectiveness. Pragmatists argue that research should be conducted with the goal of solving
practical problems and improving people's lives (Saunders, 2012))

In pragmatic research, data is often collected through a variety of methods, including both
quantitative and qualitative techniques, depending on what is most appropriate for the
research question at hand. Pragmatists seek to understand the practical implications of their
research findings and to ensure that their research is relevant to the needs of society.

Pragmatism has been influential in fields such as education, public health, and social work. It
has been used to address a wide range of practical problems, such as improving educational
outcomes, reducing health disparities, and promoting social justice. However, pragmatism
has also been criticized for being too focused on practical outcomes at the expense of
theoretical rigor, as well as for being too narrowly focused on short-term solutions rather than
addressing underlying systemic issues.
Realism
Realism is a research philosophy that emphasizes the existence of an objective reality that is
independent of human perception. Realists believe that social phenomena can be studied
objectively through scientific observation and experimentation. Realists argue that social
reality is governed by laws and principles that can be discovered through empirical research.

In realist research, data is often collected through methods such as surveys, experiments, and
statistical analysis, which allow researchers to identify patterns and relationships in the data.
Realists seek to explain social phenomena by identifying the underlying causes and
mechanisms that produce them, and by establishing the causal relationships between different
variables.

Realism has been influential in fields such as economics, political science, and international
relations. It has been used to explore a wide range of topics, such as the behaviours of
markets, the functioning of political institutions, and the dynamics of international relations.
However, realism has also been criticized for being too reductionist and oversimplifying
complex social phenomena, as it can be difficult to capture the full complexity of social
reality in quantitative data (Green J, 2005). Additionally, realism has been criticized for being
too focused on established institutions and power structures, and for failing to take into
account the perspectives and experiences of marginalized groups.

Constructivism
Constructivism is a research philosophy that emphasizes the importance of social
constructions and shared meanings in shaping social reality. Constructivists argue that social
reality is not objective and pre-existing, but is instead constructed through the interactions
and interpretations of individuals and groups. Social reality is therefore seen as a product of
human cognition, rather than an external, objective reality.

In constructivist research, data is often collected through methods such as interviews, focus
groups, and participant observation, which allow researchers to explore the ways in which
individuals and groups construct and interpret social reality. Constructivists seek to
understand how individuals and groups create meanings, values, and norms, and how these
constructions shape social reality.

Constructivism has been influential in fields such as sociology, anthropology, and

communication studies. It has been used to explore a wide range of topics, such as social
norms, cultural practices, and the construction of identities. Constructivism has been praised
for its attention to the diverse perspectives and experiences of individuals and groups, and for
its emphasis on understanding social reality as a product of human cognition. However,
constructivism has also been criticized for being too subjective and lacking scientific rigor, as
it can be difficult to establish the validity and reliability of constructivist research findings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, research philosophies provide a foundational framework for guiding the
research process. By understanding the underlying beliefs, principles, and assumptions of
different research philosophies, researchers can choose appropriate research methods, ask
relevant research questions, and interpret their findings in a way that aligns with their
philosophical beliefs and values.

Positivism, interpretivism, realism, pragmatism, and constructivism are some of the most
commonly used research philosophies. Each philosophy has its own strengths and
weaknesses, and researchers must carefully consider which philosophy is most appropriate
for their research question and the context in which they are conducting their research.

Ultimately, the choice of research philosophy should be guided by the researcher's goals,
values, and the nature of the research question being investigated. By carefully considering
their philosophical assumptions and being transparent about their research methods and
interpretations, researchers can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field and
make meaningful contributions to society.
References.

Boyatzis, R., 1998. Transforming Qualitative information;Thematic analysis and code development.
ca: sage .

Denscombe, M., 2014. the good research methods. 3rd ed. oxford : Oxford univervisity press .

Easterby-Smith M., T. J., 2012. Management Research. 4 ed. London: sage.

Green J, T. N., 2005. Qualitative Methods for Health Research. 2nd ed. london: sage.

Guest, G. ,. ,. ,., 2006. How many interviews are enough?. Fields methods, pp. 59-62.

Hallihan, G. S. ,., 2013. Considering confirmation Bias in design research. Intergrated design and
process science, pp. 19-35.

M Saunders, P. L. ,. A., 2009. Understanding research philosophies and approaches. Research

methods for business students, pp. 106-135.

Saunders, M. L. P. a. T. A., 2012). Research methods for business students. 6th ed. Harlow: Pearson
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