In this assignment, you will write a paper no longer than 1500 words on your research paradigm/interpretive framework and theoretical perspective(s). You will provide a description of your chosen paradigm that will guide your dissertation research and a rationale for choosing the paradigm. You will also describe the ontological, epistemological, and axiological dimensions of the paradigm, providing 1-2 examples on how your dissertation research reflects each dimension. (if you are reimagining your topic with a qualitative design you will complete this exercise with that lens in mind, rather than the paradigm that would go with your quantitative study). Be sure to include your word count at the end (references are not included in your word count). You do not need to submit a cover page or abstract for this assignment. You may find our January Griffin day readings and class session materials helpful in supporting the completion of this assignment. I’ve also included a brief description of my dissertation topic and a summary of my research topic for your reference in completing this assignment. Finally, I’ve also attached examples provided by the instructor for the course for your review.
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
For this assignment, you’ll be tasked with identifying the research paradigm that best aligns with your dissertation research and explaining the underlying philosophical assumptions behind it. Since you’re considering a qualitative design, you will focus on a qualitative paradigm, providing a clear rationale for your choice and exploring its ontological, epistemological, and axiological dimensions.
Here’s a structure to guide your response:
1. Introduction:
- Topic Introduction: Briefly introduce your dissertation topic to set the context for the discussion of the research paradigm. For example, if your dissertation explores the impact of a certain intervention on patient care, introduce the topic in a few sentences.
- Research Paradigm Selection: State the qualitative research paradigm that you will adopt, such as constructivism, interpretivism, or phenomenology.
2. Description of the Chosen Paradigm:
- Overview of the Paradigm: Provide a concise explanation of the selected paradigm. For instance, if you choose constructivism, explain how it focuses on the subjective meanings individuals give to their experiences, and how knowledge is co-constructed between the researcher and participants.
- Rationale for Choosing the Paradigm: Explain why this paradigm is appropriate for your dissertation. Why does this paradigm align with your research questions, goals, and the nature of the phenomenon you are studying? For example, if your research focuses on understanding the lived experiences of healthcare workers, a phenomenological approach might be ideal because it focuses on exploring how individuals perceive and make sense of their experiences.
3. Ontological, Epistemological, and Axiological Dimensions:
- Ontological Dimension (Nature of Reality):
- Definition: Ontology deals with questions about the nature of reality—what exists and how we understand it.
- Example: If you are exploring the perceptions of healthcare workers regarding a new policy, your ontological stance may be that reality is subjective and constructed from the personal experiences and beliefs of the participants.
- Reflection on Research: Explain how your research assumes that reality is fluid and subjective, meaning that each participant’s experience of the policy will be different and co-created during the research process.
- Epistemological Dimension (Nature of Knowledge):
- Definition: Epistemology deals with the nature and scope of knowledge—how we know what we know.
- Example: If you adopt an interpretivist stance, you might argue that knowledge is constructed through the interaction between the researcher and the participants, where the meaning of experiences is co-constructed through dialogue.
- Reflection on Research: For example, you might note that in interviews, the researcher and participants collaboratively construct meaning about healthcare policies and practices, which can then be interpreted to build knowledge on how to improve patient care.
- Axiological Dimension (Role of Values):
- Definition: Axiology deals with the role of values in research—how researchers’ values influence the research process and outcomes.
- Example: In a qualitative study, the researcher’s values may influence how they interpret data, as well as the relationship they establish with participants.
- Reflection on Research: For example, you could discuss how your own values around the importance of equitable healthcare may shape the questions you ask participants, the interpretation of their responses, and the way you present the findings.
4. Conclusion:
- Summary: Provide a brief conclusion that reiterates the importance of the selected research paradigm for your dissertation. Emphasize why it’s the best fit for your study and how it supports the exploration of your research questions.
- Word Count: Don’t forget to include your word count at the end (excluding references).
Example: If you are studying healthcare worker experiences with burnout, your paradigm might be constructivism because it allows you to explore how individuals construct their understanding of burnout through personal experiences and social contexts. Your ontology might be subjective, as burnout is experienced differently by each individual. Epistemologically, you might take a co-constructivist approach, where you work closely with participants to understand their experiences, and your axiological stance might be rooted in the values of promoting mental health and supporting work environments for caregivers.
This exercise helps you solidify your approach to research and clarify your philosophical stance, which will guide your entire dissertation process. Let me know if you need help narrowing down the specific paradigm or any other details!
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