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Post-Positivist Methodologies in Research

This document discusses post-positivism and its approach to research. It notes that post-positivism assumes knowledge is best gained through seeking regularities and causal relationships with the goal of explanation, prediction and control. While still committed to the search for truth, post-positivism is open to the possibility that conclusions may be wrong. It advocates for the use of multiple methods, like triangulation, to better understand reality. The document also provides an example of using a post-positivist framework to analyze low test scores for kindergarteners in Oregon public schools.

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2K views15 pages

Post-Positivist Methodologies in Research

This document discusses post-positivism and its approach to research. It notes that post-positivism assumes knowledge is best gained through seeking regularities and causal relationships with the goal of explanation, prediction and control. While still committed to the search for truth, post-positivism is open to the possibility that conclusions may be wrong. It advocates for the use of multiple methods, like triangulation, to better understand reality. The document also provides an example of using a post-positivist framework to analyze low test scores for kindergarteners in Oregon public schools.

Uploaded by

iramshakoor
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Post positivist

methodologies
Too many assumptions abound that
experimental or quantitative
approaches are inherently positivist
and therefore nave or problematic
(Phillips & Burbules, 2000)

Quantitative
Quantitative methodologies can be
implemented reflexively, with
reconsideration of the theories upon
which they are based, all within a
post positivist framework.

Qualitative
Qualitative methods can be firmly
rooted in positivist
epistemologies, and further,
researchers seeking out social justice
should not feel limited to qualitative
approaches.

Qualitative
An alternative to the empiric
validation espoused by positivism:
triangulation or, the use of multiple
methods as a way of capturing a
clearer picture,
Example:
Participant observation, case studies,
ethnographies, photography, and so
on.
(Cousins 2002)

A credible paradigm
Post positivist assumption: knowledge can be best
gained through a search for regularities and
causal relationships.
GOAL: explanation, prediction and control.
The post positivist approach to research is based on
seeking appropriate and adequate warrants
for conclusion, of hewing to standards of truth
and falsity that subject hypotheses (of
whatever type) to test and thus potential
disconfirmation, and on being open-minded
about criticism.(Phillips & Burbules, 2000,
p.86=87 )

Pro
Rather than testing hypothesis, postpostivistic research generates
hypotheses through inductive
reasoning
Still committed to the search for
truth, but open to the possibility
that conclusion might be wrong.

Con
Research is vulnerable to accusations
of being lost in a sea of relativity,
rejecting a commitment to build
strong arguments from empirical
evidence (Floden, 2009).

Post positivist view of Kindergarten


test results a sobering snapshot
It turns out that every public school
kindergartner in Oregon a readiness
test was given to see how many
numbers, letters and sounds they
knew.

Ontology

The study of metaphysics that studies the nature of


existence . What is real?

What are the reasons of low


achievement in Kindergartner
readiness test in public schools in
the state of Oregon.
one reality, knowable within
probability

General Approach
Axiology: The study of the nature of values and value judgments
As a society what are our ethical
obligations to improve in the
readiness test among the
kindergartners in public schools in
the state of Oregon.

Epistemology

what is true? The theory of knowledge,

esp. the critical study of its validity, methods, and scope

What role do the parents, teachers ,


school administration, and the course
designers play in the student
development?
objectivity is important and
obtainable

Research Question
How does school predict
achievement? Does mobility, the
lack of given time, space (to learn at
their own speed) lack of playful
pedagogy and forced learning , the
issues of low achievement among
the kindergartners in public schools
in the state of Oregon.

Methods

how to examine what is real?

Quantitative. Although qualitative


methods can be used within this
paradigm, quantitative methods
tends to be predominant
(Mertens, 2005. p12)

Post positivist methodologies • Too many assumptions abound that experimental or quantitative approaches are inherently po
Quantitative Quantitative methodologies can be implemented reflexively, with reconsideration of the theories upon which th
Qualitative • Qualitative methods can be firmly rooted in positivist epistemologies, and further, researchers seeking out
Qualitative • An alternative to the empiric validation espoused by positivism: triangulation or, the use of multiple metho
A credible paradigm • Post positivist assumption: knowledge can be best gained through a search for regularities and causal
Pro • Rather than testing hypothesis, post- postivistic research generates hypotheses through inductive reasoning • Still c
Con • Research is vulnerable to accusations of being lost in a sea of relativity, rejecting a commitment to build strong
Post positivist view of Kindergarten test results a ‘sobering snapshot’ It turns out that every public school kindergartner

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