Scientific Method and Research Paradigms

Posted on Feb 25, 2025 in Psychology and Sociology

Conceptualization of the Scientific Method

Conceptualization, literally and etymologically, is the road to knowledge. It is the path that leads to a result in scientific activity, a tool that allows us to gain knowledge of society.

Steps of the Scientific Method

According to Bunge:

  1. Problem Formulation:
    1. Recognition of the problem
    2. Discovery of the problem
    3. Formulation of the problem
  2. Construction of the Theoretical Model:
    1. Selection of relevant factors
    2. Invention of central hypotheses and auxiliary hypotheses
  3. Formulation of hypotheses
  4. Testing the Hypothesis:
    1. Design of the test
    2. Execution of the test
    3. Data analysis
    4. Inference of conclusions: interpretation of data in light of the theoretical model
  5. Introduction of the conclusions into the theory

According to Bisquera:

  1. The Problem
  2. Literature Review
  3. Hypothesis Formulation
  4. Data Collection Methodology
  5. Data Analysis
  6. Conclusions

Paradigms According to Kuhn

A paradigm, according to Kuhn, is the set of beliefs and attitudes that shape a worldview shared by a group of people, leading them to adopt a particular methodology.

Positivism

Adapts the natural sciences model to the social sciences. It stipulates that reality exists independently, outside the human mind. The relationship between the object of knowledge and the subject is devoid of values. Experimental work is intentional. The relationship is measured and controlled through quantitative tools. It seeks to establish universally valid laws through knowledge.

Interpretive

Encompasses currents generally opposed to positivism and are qualitative, with a subjective vision of reality and an interactive relationship. Reality only exists within the mind of the researcher and focuses on the reconstruction of social processes through dialogue.

Critical

Seeks to critique and identify the potential for change. The nature of reality is constructed holistically, with multiple divergent interpretations, similar to causal explanation.

Research Types

Exploratory: Used to define the research problem, seeking to examine theoretical assumptions in depth. These studies serve as a basis for further investigations and are not an end in themselves. (e.g., What…?)

Descriptive: Used in studies aimed at understanding and describing reality, revealing a phenomenon or process situation. (e.g., How is the Mapuche community…? What was the percentage…?)

Explanatory: Its purpose is to seek causes, consequences, and relationships between causes and consequences, allowing for a critical interpretation of the meaning of reality or modification of this interpretation, in whole or in part.

Hypothesis

A tentative response; a claim that attempts to answer our research question. According to Bunge, it is a sentence or statement about how a set of units are distributed in a space of variables.

Criteria to Consider for a Hypothesis:

  • Must be a clear statement, formulated in precise terms.
  • The terms may be theoretical concepts and operational concepts.
  • It is preferable that the wording of the hypothesis is affirmative.
  • It must always relate a unit of analysis to variables or theoretical concepts.

Levels of Participation:

  1. Fully Participating: The researcher is another member of the group.
  2. Participant as Observer: The researcher observes and participates.
  3. Observer: The researcher has no contact with the study subjects.