Pragmatism as a Research Lens
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Questions and Answers

What is the central premise of pragmatism as a research lens?

  • Research should only focus on philosophical assumptions.
  • Combining qualitative and quantitative approaches enhances understanding of research problems. (correct)
  • Qualitative methods are more important than quantitative methods.
  • No mixed-method approach should be used in research.

Which philosopher is NOT associated with the development of pragmatism?

  • George Herbert Mead
  • Max Weber (correct)
  • William James
  • John Dewey

What does the term

  • The problem being studied is secondary to the research methods used.
  • Pragmatism believes in universal truths that guide research.
  • A singular approach is preferred for its simplicity.
  • The focus is on applications and solutions rather than specific methods. (correct)

What primarily guides pragmatist researchers in their choice of research topics?

<p>Their personal value system (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the nature of beliefs according to John Dewey's interpretation of pragmatism?

<p>Beliefs are considered justified when based on repeated outcomes from social actions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in pragmatism regarding the nature of reality?

<p>Reality is multiple and plural. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of pragmatism in research?

<p>Empirical evidence and practical outcomes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which reasoning approaches are acceptable within the pragmatist paradigm?

<p>Both inductive and deductive reasoning (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of pragmatism according to Biesta?

<p>It fails to account for multiple ways of knowing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does pragmatism view the concept of 'truth'?

<p>Truth is contextual and practical. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects a criticism regarding the problem-solving approach in pragmatism?

<p>It cannot effectively investigate structural inequalities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration in research design under pragmatism?

<p>Research design should fit the problem being investigated. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a significant overlap in pragmatism?

<p>Similarities exist between different ontologies and epistemologies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does credibility in qualitative data assessment primarily refer to?

<p>The confidence in the truth or accuracy of the data (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a technique used to enhance the confirmability of qualitative research?

<p>Thick description (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern that dependability seeks to address in qualitative research?

<p>The object's ability to remain unchanged over time and contexts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which triangulation method involves using different researchers to gather and interpret data?

<p>Investigator triangulation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of qualitative research is often criticized for lacking reliability?

<p>The subjective nature of data interpretation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of researcher-participant relationships in qualitative research?

<p>Researchers view participants as equals and colleagues. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method is characterized by participants referring others to the researcher?

<p>Snowball sampling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'data saturation' in qualitative research?

<p>The point at which additional data yields no new information. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle is primarily used to assess the quality of qualitative data?

<p>Reflection of truth in the collected data. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, what factor significantly influences the appropriate sample size?

<p>The purpose of the inquiry and quality of informants. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative research?

<p>It relies on the researcher as the key instrument in data collection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the epistemological underpinning of qualitative research suggest about human knowledge?

<p>Human behavior is influenced by social context and shared meanings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary purpose of qualitative research?

<p>To develop a complex understanding of social phenomena. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, what does the term 'participant perspective' refer to?

<p>The subjective meanings that participants attribute to their experiences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following approaches is characterized by exploring social phenomena that are not yet well understood?

<p>Qualitative approach. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is reflection important in qualitative research?

<p>It allows for a fuller understanding of the research context and social identities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of qualitative research is emphasized in the paradigm of interpretivism?

<p>Understanding the meanings and context behind human actions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does qualitative research approach the concept of data quality?

<p>Quality is determined by the richness and depth of the data collected. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Pragmatism as a Research Lens

A research design using philosophical assumptions & methods, mixing qualitative & quantitative approaches for better understanding research problems.

Pragmatist Paradigm

A research approach focused on practical applications and solutions to problems. It prioritizes the problem over the research method itself.

Pragmatism Origins

Developed in the late 19th century in the U.S. by philosophers like Peirce, James, and Dewey.

"Warranted Beliefs" (Pragmatism)

Pragmatists believe that truths arise from repeatedly successful actions and outcomes, not universal truths.

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Pragmatic Research Focus

Research driven by personal values and a researcher's perceived importance; the researcher decides what is important to study.

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Pragmatism in Research

A research approach prioritizing practical solutions and the 'what works' mentality. It focuses on the problem itself and seeks workable solutions.

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Pragmatist Research Question

The central driver of a pragmatist research project, guiding the selection of appropriate methods and theories.

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Multiple Realities in Pragmatism

Pragmatism acknowledges that every individual experiences and perceives the world differently, leading to diverse viewpoints.

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Pragmatic Method Selection

Pragmatic researchers choose the most suitable methods and theories based on the research problem, prioritizing effectiveness over strict adherence to a single paradigm.

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Pragmatist Concept of Truth

Truth in pragmatism is defined by practical outcomes and effectiveness. What works in practice is considered true and valuable.

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Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Pragmatism allows for the use of both inductive and deductive reasoning, depending on the research question and the problem being investigated.

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Similarities between Paradigms

Pragmatism emphasizes the common ground between different research traditions, recognizing that unity prevails over division.

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Emphasis on Empirical Evidence

Pragmatic research prioritizes real-world observations and data over theoretical frameworks or abstract ideas.

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Credibility

Confidence in the truth or accuracy of the data, similar to validity in quantitative research.

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Dependability

Data stability over time and conditions, analogous to reliability in quantitative research.

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Confirmability

Objectivity or neutrality of the data, ensuring freedom from bias.

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Transferability

The extent findings can be applied to other settings or groups, similar to generalizability.

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Triangulation Techniques

Utilizing multiple sources, researchers, methods, or theories to validate findings.

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Researcher-Participant Relationship

A collaborative and respectful connection between researchers and participants, treating them as colleagues rather than subjects. Focuses on building trust and maintaining positive relationships.

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Qualitative Sampling

Involves selecting a small, non-random sample of participants to gain in-depth insights and understand multiple realities. Generalization is not the primary goal.

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Convenience Sampling

A type of qualitative sampling where participants are chosen based on ease of access and availability.

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Data Saturation

The point in qualitative research where no new information is discovered, indicating a sufficient sample size.

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Quality of Qualitative Data

Assessing the accuracy, reliability, and objectivity of qualitative data using criteria different from quantitative research.

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Qualitative Research

A research approach that focuses on understanding the 'why' and 'how' of human experiences, perspectives, and social phenomena. It is interpretive, meaning it seeks to understand the meanings people attach to their experiences.

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Interpretivism

A philosophical perspective in qualitative research that emphasizes the importance of understanding the subjective meanings that people create and the social world they inhabit.

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Natural Setting

A key characteristic of qualitative research. This means the research is conducted in the context where the phenomenon occurs, allowing for a more realistic and authentic understanding.

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Multiple Methods

Qualitative research often uses a combination of different techniques to gather data, such as interviews, observations, and document analysis.

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Participants' Perspectives

Qualitative research focuses on understanding the perspectives of the individuals involved in the study. It seeks to understand their lived experiences from their own point of view.

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Emergent Design

The research plan is flexible and can evolve during the course of the study, depending on what is discovered. It's not rigidly set from the beginning.

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Holistic Understanding

Qualitative research aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the phenomenon being studied. This means considering all aspects and complexities of the experience.

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Purpose of Qualitative Research

Qualitative research aims to understand, describe, explain, identify, develop, and generate new knowledge about social phenomena and human experiences.

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Study Notes

Pragmatism as a Research Lens

  • Pragmatism is a research paradigm associated with mixed methods. It blends philosophical assumptions and methods of inquiry.
  • It combines qualitative and quantitative approaches throughout the research process, and its core principle is that combining these methods offers superior understanding of research issues compared to relying on single methods.
  • Pragmatism's roots trace back to the late 19th century. Key figures include Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. More recent philosophers who are associated include Richard Rorty.

Development of Pragmatism

  • Pragmatism originated in the US during the late 19th century.
  • Key figures include Philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce, psychologist William James, philosopher/lawyer Nicholas St John Green
  • Later influential figures in the development of pragmatism include philosopher, educator, and social reformer John Dewey, sociologist and psychologist George Herbert Mead, and political scientist Arthur F. Bentley.
  • Modern pragmatism has ties to philosopher Richard Rorty (1979).

Pragmatist Paradigm

  • Pragmatists are concerned with applications and practical solutions (what works).
  • Problem-solving is the most important aspect of research, not methodology.
  • By referencing Greek, researchers use all available methods to comprehend the issue. Dewey stated that there are no universal truths instead 'warranted beliefs' derived from repeated social outcomes.
  • Researchers consider their personal value system when determining what to study and how to pursue the research approach.

The Pragmatist Paradigm (continued)

  • The research question is paramount.
  • Practical methods and theories are favoured (what works), focusing on problem-solving as opposed to strict methodology.
  • Reality is diverse; no two individuals have identical experiences, despite overlaps and shared worldviews. Multiple, complementary methods are needed.
  • Deductive and inductive reasoning are both valid approaches in pragmatist research.
  • Pragmatists prioritize empirical data/observations over theoretical frameworks.

Paradigm, Ontology, Epistemology, Methodology, and Methods

  • Pragmatists do not believe the world is inherently absolute, instead reality is contingent, depending on the time and circumstances. Knowledge is also contingent and arises from actions, events, and consequences rather than fixed, pre-existing principles.
  • Individual researchers have the flexibility to choose methods that best help them accomplish objectives.

Criticisms of Pragmatism

  • Some scholars question if pragmatism's goal to combine a variety of ontologies (views of reality), epistemologies (ways of knowing), and methods is coherent. Combining potentially incommensurable frameworks raises questions about logical consistency and the possibility of bias. There are also ethical considerations.
  • The problem-solving approach may overlook issues of structural inequality and bias.
  • Certain methods may be more suitable for certain research topics or problems; a universal method may not be appropriate.

Things to Consider

  • Examine overlaps between divergent research positions.
  • Consider alignment between paradigms and research topics.
  • Identify most convincing arguments.

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Related Documents

Pragmatism as a Research Lens PDF
Qualitative Research Lecture Notes PDF

Description

This quiz explores the pragmatism research paradigm, emphasizing its origins, key figures, and the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods. Test your understanding of how pragmatism has shaped research practices and its philosophical foundations.

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