Positivism vs Post-positivism in Research Philosophy

Positivism and Post-positivism in Research

Introduction

The philosophical frameworks of positivism and post-positivism play a significant role in shaping how researchers approach their work. These two perspectives on scientific enquiry have different views on what constitutes valid knowledge and how it can be acquired. Understanding these philosophies is crucial for researchers seeking to establish rigorous research methods.

Positivism

Definition

Positivism originated from the philosophy of Auguste Comte, who proposed that social sciences could become natural sciences if they adopted the principles of physics, chemistry, and biology. According to positivists, only empirical data obtained through observation and measurement can contribute to meaningful research. They emphasize logical deduction, systematic processes, and statistical analysis as essential components of scientific investigation. Thus, positivist researchers aim to create general laws from specific observations.

Criticisms

Despite its popularity among early sociologists such as Emile Durkheim and Max Weber, positivism has faced criticisms. Its detractors argue that society does not conform to the regular patterns assumed by positivists and that human behavior cannot be fully understood using physical science models. Moreover, positiivism's exclusion of subjective phenomena from scientific study has led some researchers to seek alternative approaches.

Post-positivism

Emergence

Post-positivism emerged as a response to critics of positivism. It combines elements both of traditional positivism and of interpretivism, recognizing that understanding social reality requires more than just straightforward, objective facts. Instead, post-positivists believe that empirical evidence must be interpreted in light of other aspects of the context in which it arises.

Key Features

Some key features of post-positivist thought include:

1. Validity is a matter of interpretation rather than empirical verification alone.
2. Language plays a vital role in shaping our understanding; it cannot be reduced to strict definitions.
3. Reality is not fixed and universal, but dependent upon culture, history, and context.
4. Social scientists require multiple sources of information to understand complex phenomena.

Influence

Despite being less rigidly defined than positivism, post-positivism has had a profound impact on social science disciplines. For instance, Thomas Kuhn's influential book, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, challenged positivistic assumptions about the nature of scientific progress and influenced many social scientists.

In conclusion, positivism and post-positivism represent distinct viewpoints within the realm of research philosophy. While positivism emphasizes objectivity, systematization, and quantification, post-positivism acknowledges the importance of interpretation, context, and intersubjectivity. Both paradigms continue to shape contemporary research methods in various fields.