RESEARCH
PARADIGM
Positivism vs
Interpretivism
ARGONSOLA, ANA ROSE A.
BEED 2-E
OBJECTIVE
S
Define positivism and interpretivism
and Compare their methodologies.
Evaluate the strengths and
weaknesses of each approach and
Consider ethical implications.
Apply what you have learned in the
lesson.
POSITIVISM
Positivism is counted on the
philosophical stance of natural scientist
that is working with observable reality
within society leading to production of
generalizations.
POSITIVISM
Positivism relate on the importance of
what is given in general, with more strict
focus to consider pure data as well as
facts without being influenced by
interpretation of bias of human
(Scotland, 2012; Saunders et al., 2012).
INTERPRETIVISM
Interpretivism developed through
critique of positivism with
subjective perspective.
INTERPRETIVISM
Interpretivism is different from positivism
as it aims to include richness in the
insights gathered rather attempting to
provide a definite and universal laws that
can be generalised and applicable to
everyone regardless of some key variables
and factors (Myers, 2008; Saunders et 1al.,
The given table above provides
clarity on positivism in terms of
ontology, epistemology,
axiology and the methods used
for research.
The table given above is
providing further details of the
interpretivism research
philosophy on ontology,
epistemology, axiology and the
methods commonly used.
STRENGTH AND WEAKNESSES
POSITIVISM INTERPRETIVISM
Strengths: Provides a rigorous Strengths: Provides a rich and
and objective framework for nuanced understanding of the
testing hypotheses and subjective experiences and meanings
establishing causal that individuals hold. It can uncover
relationships. insights that might be missed by
Weaknesses: Can be criticized quantitative methods.
for oversimplifying complex Weaknesses: Can be criticized for
social phenomena by reducing lacking objectivity and
them to quantifiable variables. generalizability. Its reliance on
subjective interpretations can
make it difficult to establish
reliable and verifiable findings.
ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS
Positivism: The emphasis on objectivity and
control can lead to ethical concerns about the
potential for manipulation and exploitation of
research subjects.
Interpretivism: The focus on subjective
experiences can raise ethical concerns about the
potential for bias and the need to protect the
CONCLUSION
Positivism and interpretivism offer distinct
perspectives on understanding the world. Positivism
seeks to uncover objective truths through empirical
observation and measurement, while interpretivism
focuses on understanding the subjective meanings
and interpretations that individuals hold. The choice
of which approach to use depends on the specific
research question and the nature of the phenomenon
being studied. It’s important to consider the
strengths and weaknesses of each approach, as well
as the ethical implications, when choosing a research
Directions: Read each question carefully and choose the correct
answer from the options provided.
1. What does positivism focus on?
a) Subjective meanings
b) Observable reality
c) Ethical concerns
d) Personal opinions
2. What is a strength of interpretivism?
a) Objective results
b) Rich insights into subjective experiences
c) Universal laws
d) Eliminating bias
3. What is a weakness of positivism?
a) Lack of objectivity
b) Oversimplification of complex phenomena
c) Ethical bias
d) Subjective focus
4. What ethical concern is linked to interpretivism?
a) Manipulation of data
b) Privacy and confidentiality of participants
c) Overgeneralization of findings
d) Lack of control
5. How does interpretivism differ from positivism?
a) Focus on empirical observation
b) Focus on subjective meanings
c) Emphasis on universal laws
d) Exact same methods
REFERENCES
• Alharahsheh, H. H., & Pius, A. (2020). A review of key paradigms:
Positivism vs. interpretivism. *Global Academic Journal of Humanities
and Social Sciences, 2*(3), 39–43.
•Creswell, J. W. (2007). *Research design: Qualitative and mixed
methods approach.* London: Sage.
•Ma, J., & Ma, Y. (2022). The discussions of positivism and interpretivism.
*Global Academic Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 4*(1), 10–
14.
•Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2012). *Research methods for
business students* (6th ed.). Pearson Education Limited.
•Scotland, J. (2012). Exploring the philosophical underpinnings of
research: Relating ontology and epistemology to the methodology and
methods of the scientific, interpretive, and critical research paradigms.
