What even is a research paradigm?

This video introduces the idea of research paradigms, giving an overview of five major paradigms: positivism, postpositivism, constructivism, critical theory and postructuralism. We talk about the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars and Star Trek. We don't dig into the history of each, or the tensions between them (what you might call the theory or paradigm 'wars'), that's for another video (otherwise this would be WAY too long and it's already 35 minutes).

I'll be producing a few more of these focused around practical research issues for professionals, which will take a deeper dive into different paradigms and research issues.

A conversation like this doesn't happen without a bit of research, and I've necessarily left out a whole lot of background sources and history. If you'd like to read more, the following papers are classics in the field (and were instrumental in informing this conversation):

Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2008). Paradigmatic controversies, contradictions and emerging confluences. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), The Landscape of Qualitative Research (3rd ed., pp. 191-215). Los Angeles: Sage Publications.

Guba, E., & Lincoln, Y. S. (1994). Competing Paradigms in Qualitative Research. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of Qualitative Research (pp. 105-117). London: Sage.

Hatch, J. A. (2002). Doing qualitative research in education settings. Albany: State University of New York Press.

Lather, P. (2006). Paradigm proliferation as a good thing to think with: teaching research in education as a wild profusion. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 19(1), 35-57. doi:10.1080/09518390500450144

You can check out more learning resources like this at the following:

Thumbnail Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash
Icons from the Noun Project by: Gan Khoon Lay, Yu Luck, Joel McKinney, Laymilk, Rusty Copperpot, Muhammad Samudra, Daeveid Seanz, Jacopo Bonacci, Supalerk laipawat, Brian Ejar,

[cathrinsophie]

I just started online university and had a really hard time understanding research paradigms. This video was very helpful. Thank you so much!

[c.rydee.harding]

You just made getting through Lincoln and Guba's article possible for me: I turned your presentation into a compare/contrast master chart as I listened (a million pauses later) and then I listened to this presentation all the way through to reflect on my understanding. I sure wish I did this days ago. Thank-you so much for taking the time to put this together for folk you do not know. Your generosity of time and spirit is appreciated.

[ladanaedwards]

Thank you for sharing your work! I am just starting a PhD in Transformative Studies and the first article I read on Paradigm Controversies made my head hurt. Luckily, I found your YouTube channel and I am actually excited to know more. I'll be sharing with my classmates. :-)

[guyi]

Not gonna lie I fucking love your roomates almost sarcastic engagement and his choice to be silent at the end rather than lie about his enjoyment.

Honestly though, I found this useful so thank you.

[robxfong]

Great job on this video and presentation, guys! Much appreciated. (Note: @3:39 of the video, the term coined by K Conway was "alternative facts")

[belindaviljoen]

Pat, thank you for an outstanding presentation. You are an excellent teacher!

[esukujoseph]

Oh yes, what a great piece, I am starting my PhD on financial accountability. It brings out clearer insights about research paradigms. Thanks

[UKHK_Learning]

Thanks! It’s grateful to find your video when I am struggling to form my methodology in the 1st year submission.

[watchtherabbitholes]

Trying to develop my own research paradigm for my PHD, this is very helpful thank you.

[dwjcerk]

This was extremely well done -- thank you!

[chiarawheatley]

Really enjoyed this. I am studying for my research methodology final exam and this is helpful :)

[wildcoastsouthafrica]

Really really enjoyed this! Found it SUPER helpful, thank you. As a South African though I was disappointed that the continent of 'Africa' was defined as a 'country' during your explanation.

[ZaphPah]

Thank you! This has been of great help to me.

[imbun]

The other guys said ”Sheldon Cooper” 🤣🤣🤣

[EnglishAroundUs]

thank you so much for making this. It helps me understand research paradigm better now after being confused from class

[Johanne-Bryce]

Thank you! I've been struggling with the aspect of my Thesis since I started my phd a couple of years ago. This has helped no end!

[lanaraouf]

Great explanation and your swearing made me laugh lol.

[bulanyeom]

Thank you so much for this helpful video. But I wish we had a bigger sound!

[Ayesha_F]

Really helpful and fun! Thanks for this

[maxpower]

Thanks for clearing up what is a Research Paradigm. I’ve started back to school, and your video is beneficial.