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POSITIVIST
PARADIGM

QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH

Submitted by
Albert John Thomas
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POSITIVISM
Positivism is a philosophical form that emphasizes the usage of scientific methods to
understand the sociological aspects and to help explain them as social science.
Positivism was first introduced by the French philosopher, Auguste Comte (1798 – 1857).
“A method of enquiry that sought to give immense cognitive prestige to the discipline, and
wanted to convince its adherents that sociology too could be a science and follow the
scientific methodological principles of empirical observation, deductive reasoning, and
formulation of laws or universal generalizations.”

Same as other branches of science positivism also has its own features. They are:

 It believes in the unity of method. Sociology is not different from the natural
sciences as far as the method of enquiry is concerned.
 It celebrates objectivity and value neutrality. It, therefore, separates the knower
from the known, subjectivity from objectivity, and fact from value.
 Sociology is not commonsense. It rests on explanatory principles, which give a
universal character to the discipline.
 Sociology is a formal and organized body of knowledge, characterized by
specialized skills and techno-scientific vocabulary.
 Sociology can strive for abstraction and generalization. Human experiences can
be explained through law-like generalizations.
 The scientific knowledge of society can be used for social engineering.

The principles of positivism are:

• Goals of science: the primary focus of both social and natural sciences should be the
discovery of laws that helps in explanation and prediction.
• Methodology: the hypothetico-deductive model of science should be used as the
methodology in both Social and natural sciences.
• Laws of nature: The basic laws of nature, developed by reproducing and joining
scientific discoveries and theories, confirm the presence of a singular, genuine, and
identifiable reality.
• Evidence for law: Empirical data is the basis for delivering the laws of nature.
• Sampling and inference: Larger samples are always preferred over the smaller ones.
The give a rough idea about the reality (tendency, cause, and true nature)
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POSITIVIST PARADIGM
Positivist paradigm defines a worldview to research, which is grounded in what is known in
research methods as the scientific method of investigation.
Comte (1856) claims that experimentation, observation, and reason based on experience is
the basis for understanding human behaviour, and is, the only legitimate means of extending
knowledge and human understanding.
Deductive logic, formulation of hypotheses, testing those hypotheses, offering
operational definitions and mathematical equations, calculations, extrapolations, and
expressions, to derive conclusions are some of the reliable factors for the research in
positivist paradigm.

Characteristics of Research in The Positivist Paradigm

The basic characteristics of positivist paradigm are:

• A belief that theory is universal and law-like generalisations can be made across
contexts.
• The assumption that context is not important
• The belief that truth or knowledge is ‘out there to be discovered’ by research.
• The belief that causes and effect are distinguishable and analytically separable.
• The belief that results of inquiry can be quantified.
• The belief that theory can be used to predict and to control outcomes
• The belief that research should follow the Scientific Method of investigation
• Rests on formulation and testing of hypotheses
• Employs empirical or analytical approaches o Pursues an objective search for facts
• Believes in ability to observe knowledge.
• The researcher’s aim is to establish a comprehensive universal theory, to account for
human and social behaviour.
• Application of the scientific method

The Elements of a Paradigm.

According to Lincoln and Guba (1985), a paradigm comprises of four elements. The basic
assumptions, beliefs, norms, values of each paradigm constitutes of these elements.
They are:
i. Epistemology (objectivist): Nature of knowledge
Positivists argue that knowledge can and must be developed objectively,
without any influence from the researcher’s or participant’s side. And when properly
developed, knowledge will be true, certain, congruent with the reality and accurate.
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ii. Ontology (naive realism): Nature of reality

This is based on the assumption of five believes:

 A single tangible reality exists- one that can be understood identified,

and measured.
 Certain statements about these objects can be proved through our
sensory experiences
 These objects exists whether or not they are being perceived. They are
independent of perception
 These objects can maintain their properties even when they are not
being perceived. Their properties are not dependent on perception.
 We perceive the world as it is directly with our senses. So, our claims
of having knowledge about it is justified

iii. Methodology (experimental): How to conduct scientific research

The methodology states that research can control or manipulate the variables.
This is to determine that the change in one variable influence change in the other
variable. The first variable is called ‘predictor variable’ and the other one is called
‘dependent or explained variable.’

iv. Axiology (beneficence): Values of the research process

This emphasizes on maintaining objectivity and at the same time aiming at
maximizing good outcomes for the research, the participants and humanity in general.
Also, to avoid or to minimize the harm that could happen during the research.

Criteria for Validating Research in the Positivist Paradigm

There are four criteria. They are:
i. Internal validity
This is the extent to which the end results from research are attributable to the
independent variable and not the external factors or other variables.

ii. External validity

This refers to the extent where the end results from research can be
generalised in other contexts.

iii. Reliability
This is the extent to which a research instrument gives back stable and consistent
results

iv. Objectivity
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This refers to the extend which the researcher utilises the precise instruments, an
unbiassed and honest approach towards research, and also being open to suggestions
from the participants.

Research Methodologies Suited to the Positivist Paradigm

The research conducted under the Positivist paradigm often utilises the following
methodologies.
i. Experimental methodology
ii. Quasi-experimental methodology
iii. Correlational methodology
iv. Causal comparative methodology
v. Randomized control trials methodology
vi. Survey research methodology

References
1. Unit-7 Positivism and its Critique, (2017)
http://egyankosh.ac.in//handle/123456789/26084

2. Kivunja, C., & Kuyini, A. B. (2017). Understanding and applying research

paradigms in educational contexts. International Journal of Higher Education,
6(5), 26. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v6n5p26

3. Park, Y., Konge, L., & Artino, A. R. (2020). The Positivism Paradigm of
Research.. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical
Colleges, 95 (5). http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/ ACM.0000000000003093

4. Park, Y., Konge, L., & Artino, A. R. (2020). The Positivism Paradigm of
Research.. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical
Colleges, 95 (5). http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000003093