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Questions and Answers
What is the central premise of pragmatism as a research lens?
What is the central premise of pragmatism as a research lens?
Which philosopher is NOT associated with the development of pragmatism?
Which philosopher is NOT associated with the development of pragmatism?
What does the term
What does the term
What primarily guides pragmatist researchers in their choice of research topics?
What primarily guides pragmatist researchers in their choice of research topics?
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Which of the following best describes the nature of beliefs according to John Dewey's interpretation of pragmatism?
Which of the following best describes the nature of beliefs according to John Dewey's interpretation of pragmatism?
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What is emphasized in pragmatism regarding the nature of reality?
What is emphasized in pragmatism regarding the nature of reality?
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What is the primary focus of pragmatism in research?
What is the primary focus of pragmatism in research?
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Which reasoning approaches are acceptable within the pragmatist paradigm?
Which reasoning approaches are acceptable within the pragmatist paradigm?
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What is a criticism of pragmatism according to Biesta?
What is a criticism of pragmatism according to Biesta?
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How does pragmatism view the concept of 'truth'?
How does pragmatism view the concept of 'truth'?
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Which statement best reflects a criticism regarding the problem-solving approach in pragmatism?
Which statement best reflects a criticism regarding the problem-solving approach in pragmatism?
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What is a key consideration in research design under pragmatism?
What is a key consideration in research design under pragmatism?
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Which of the following describes a significant overlap in pragmatism?
Which of the following describes a significant overlap in pragmatism?
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What does credibility in qualitative data assessment primarily refer to?
What does credibility in qualitative data assessment primarily refer to?
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Which of the following is NOT a technique used to enhance the confirmability of qualitative research?
Which of the following is NOT a technique used to enhance the confirmability of qualitative research?
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What is the primary concern that dependability seeks to address in qualitative research?
What is the primary concern that dependability seeks to address in qualitative research?
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Which triangulation method involves using different researchers to gather and interpret data?
Which triangulation method involves using different researchers to gather and interpret data?
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What aspect of qualitative research is often criticized for lacking reliability?
What aspect of qualitative research is often criticized for lacking reliability?
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What is a key characteristic of researcher-participant relationships in qualitative research?
What is a key characteristic of researcher-participant relationships in qualitative research?
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Which sampling method is characterized by participants referring others to the researcher?
Which sampling method is characterized by participants referring others to the researcher?
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What is meant by 'data saturation' in qualitative research?
What is meant by 'data saturation' in qualitative research?
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What principle is primarily used to assess the quality of qualitative data?
What principle is primarily used to assess the quality of qualitative data?
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In qualitative research, what factor significantly influences the appropriate sample size?
In qualitative research, what factor significantly influences the appropriate sample size?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative research?
Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative research?
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What does the epistemological underpinning of qualitative research suggest about human knowledge?
What does the epistemological underpinning of qualitative research suggest about human knowledge?
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What is a primary purpose of qualitative research?
What is a primary purpose of qualitative research?
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In qualitative research, what does the term 'participant perspective' refer to?
In qualitative research, what does the term 'participant perspective' refer to?
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Which of the following approaches is characterized by exploring social phenomena that are not yet well understood?
Which of the following approaches is characterized by exploring social phenomena that are not yet well understood?
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Why is reflection important in qualitative research?
Why is reflection important in qualitative research?
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What aspect of qualitative research is emphasized in the paradigm of interpretivism?
What aspect of qualitative research is emphasized in the paradigm of interpretivism?
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How does qualitative research approach the concept of data quality?
How does qualitative research approach the concept of data quality?
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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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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.