Professional Documents
Culture Documents
and Theoretical
Paradigms
Epistemological Orientation
Scientific or Positivism
What is reality?
Quantitative Research
Objective Observer
Epistemological Orientation
Interpretive or Hermeneutic
What is reality?
How do we
conduct research?
Epistemological Orientation
Critical or Liberative
What is reality?
Society is a pattern of
inequality
Reality is that some
dominate others.
How do we
Research is a strategy to
conduct research?
bring about desired
change.
Qualitative and
quantitative research
Activist researcher
Epistemological Orientation
Postmodern
What is reality?
How do we
conduct
research?
Theoretical Paradigm
STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL
Image of Society
A system of interrelated
Core Questions
society?
How are these parts
interrelated?
What are the consequences of
each part for the overall
operation of society?
How is society integrated?
SOCIAL CONFLICT
Image of Society
A system based on
Core Questions
patterns of social
inequality? How do some
of people try to protect
their privileges?
How do other categories
of people challenge the
status quo?
SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM
Image of Society
An on going process of
Core Questions
POSTMODERNISM
Image of Society
Fleeting
Anti-foundational, anti
metanarrative and
metahistory
Polycentric and
heterogenous
Multiplicity and polysemy
Individual emancipation
Core Questions