Research paradigms in Organisational Psychology

Paradigms and Principles of research: positivism, pragmatic, interventionist

1. Research Design in
Organisational Psychology:
Principles of Research
BUS3003F
Lecture 2: Introduction to Paradigms

2. Today's
content:
Learning
outcomes
•Explain the concept of a research paradigm and its
role in guiding research.
•Identify and describe the key components of a
research paradigm, including ontology, epistemology,
and axiology.
•Differentiate between major research paradigms such
as positivism, post-positivism, interpretivism,
constructivism, pragmatism, and critical theory.
•Discuss the importance of a paradigmatic stance in
research and how it influences study design,
methodology, and interpretation of results.

3. The Scientist Practitioner Process
ALL OF THIS IS FLAVOURED
BY YOUR PARADIGM!!!!!!

4. What is a Research Paradigm?
•A research paradigm is a framework that guides how research is
conducted.
•It includes assumptions about reality, knowledge, and values.
•Influences the questions asked, methods used, and
interpretations made.
•Common paradigms include positivism, post-positivism
interpretivism,constructivism, pragmatism, and critical theory /
critical paradigm.

5. Why is Your
Paradigmatic
Stance
Important?
Defines how you view reality and
knowledge.
Ensures consistency in research
approach and methodology.
Helps justify research methods used in
a study.
Influences how results are interpreted
and applied.

6. Key Components of a Research Paradigm
Ontology – What is the nature of
reality?
Epistemology – How do we know
what we know?
Axiology – What is the role of values
in research?
These components shape research questions, methods, and conclusions.

7. Ontology – The Nature of Reality
Ontology Description
Associated
Paradigm(s)
Key Characteristics
Realist Ontology
Reality exists independently of
human perception.
Positivism
- There is a single, objective reality.
- Reality can be measured and known through empirical observation.
- Quantitative methods dominate.
Critically Realist Ontology
Reality exists but can only be known
imperfectly due to human
limitations.
Post-Positivism
- A real world exists, but human perception is fallible.
- Knowledge is always provisional and evolving.
Uses quantitative methods while recognising the influence of
context.
Relativistic Ontology
Reality is subjective and varies based
on individual or group perceptions.
Constructivist &
Interpretivist Paradigms
- Multiple realities exist, shaped by social, cultural, and personal
experiences.
- Meaning is co-constructed between researcher and participant.
- Primarily qualitative research.
Pragmatic Ontology
Reality is dynamic and depends on
what works in a given situation.
Pragmatism
- Reality is not fixed; it is contingent on human action and usefulness.
- Knowledge is shaped by practical outcomes rather than absolute
truths.
- Strong use of mixed methods.
Historical Realism Ontology
Reality is shaped by power
structures, history, and ideology.
Critical Paradigm
- Reality is socially constructed but influenced by oppression and
power.
- Knowledge is influenced by politics and social struggles.
- Feminist, postcolonial, and critical race theories fit here.

8. Epistemology –How We Gain Knowledge
Epistemology Description Associated Paradigm(s) Key Characteristics
Empiricism
Knowledge comes from
measurable sensory experience
and observation.
Positivism
- Objective reality exists and can be
measured.
- Scientific method is key.
- Quantitative methods dominate.
Critical Realism
Reality exists but can only be
known imperfectly due to human
limitations.
Post-Positivism
- Knowledge is provisional and falsifiable.
- Objectivity is pursued but acknowledged as
imperfect.
- Uses both qualitative and quantitative
methods.
Constructivism
Knowledge is formed through
personal experiences and is
unique to individuals.
Constructivist Paradigm
- No single reality; multiple realities exist.
- Meaning is co-constructed between
researcher and participant.
- Primarily qualitative research.
Interpretivism
Knowledge is interpreted within a
social context, shaped by
language, norms, and history.
Interpretivist Paradigm
- Reality is shaped by culture, history, and
context.
- Seeks deep, context-rich understanding.
- Ethnography, case studies, and discourse
analysis used.

9. Epistemology –How We Gain Knowledge (Cont.)
Epistemology Description
Associated
Paradigm(s)
Key Characteristics
Pragmatism
Knowledge is practical and
based on what works in a
given context.
Pragmatic Paradigm
- Truth is what is useful in practice.
- Rejects strict distinctions between
positivist and interpretivist approaches.
- Strong use of mixed methods.
Critical
Epistemology
Knowledge is shaped by
power, ideology, and
historical context.
Critical Paradigm
- Research should challenge oppression
and inequalities.
- Knowledge is political and socially
constructed.
- Feminist, postcolonial, and critical
race theories fit here.

10. Axiology – The Role of Values in Research
Axiology Description
Associated
Paradigm(s)
Key Characteristics
Value-Free (Objectivist Axiology)
Research should be
neutral, unbiased, and
objective, minimizing the
influence of values.
Positivism
- Knowledge is pursued for its own sake,
independent of researcher values.
- Ethical concerns focus on scientific
rigor and detachment.
- Quantitative methods preferred.
Value-Aware (Critical Objectivity)
Research should strive
for objectivity, but values
and biases are
acknowledged and
controlled.
Post-Positivism
- Researchers recognise their own biases
but attempt to minimise their influence.
- Knowledge is provisional and open to
revision.
- Uses mainly quantitative methods but
qualitative methods might be drawn to
provide additional context.
Value-Laden (Subjectivist Axiology)
Research is inherently
influenced by values, as
knowledge is co-
constructed.
Constructivist &
Interpretivist
Paradigms
- The researcher and participants shape
the meaning of knowledge together.
- Ethics focus on reflexivity, transparency,
and mutual respect.
- Primarily qualitative methods (e.g.,
interviews, ethnography).

11. Axiology –The Role of Values in Research (Cont.)
Axiology Description
Associated
Paradigm(s)
Key Characteristics
Pragmatic Axiology
The value of knowledge
is determined by its
practical usefulness and
impact.
Pragmatism
- Truth is determined by what works in a
given situation.
- Ethical concerns focus on problem-
solving and real-world application.
- Strong use of mixed methods.
Emancipatory / Transformational
Axiology
Research should actively
challenge power
structures and promote
social justice.
Critical Paradigm
- Research is explicitly political,
advocating for marginalised voices.
- Ethics focus on participatory, action-
oriented approaches.
- Methods include participatory action
research and critical discourse analysis.

12. Choosing a Research
Paradigm
The Scientist Practitioner model in IOP requires
that you choose and apply a research paradigm.
From this initial step…..EVERYTHING flows…..

13. Chilisa & Kawulchi (2012): Paradigms as the starting point of all
research
Component Key Questions
Paradigm What paradigm informs your methodology?
Theoretical Framework
What theories shape your research topic, questions, literature
review, data collection, and analysis?
Research Approach
What approach aligns with your research questions and theoretical
framework?
Data Collection
What data sources and methods best address your research
questions? What guides participant selection, study setting, and
data collection techniques?
Data Analysis How does theory influence your data analysis and interpretation?
Ethics
What ethical considerations arise from your paradigm, framework,
approach, and data methods?
Validity
What standards determine the validity and reliability of your
research design, data, and findings?

14. Chilisa &
Kawulchi
(2012)

15. The Positivist Research Paradigm

16. The Positivist
Paradigm:
Learning
outcomes
•Understand the application of a positivist
paradigm to I/O P
•Identify and describe the key steps and
components of operationalising a positivist
research paradigm
•Differentiate between benefits and limitations
of a positivist paradigm in I/O P

17. Positivist Paradigm in the
Workplace
•The positivist paradigm is a research
approach that emphasises objective
measurement and empirical validation
within workplace and organisational
contexts.
•It is widely used in quantitative research to
examine relationships between variables
such as job satisfaction, performance,
leadership effectiveness, and employee
motivation through statistical analysis and
structured methodologies.

18. Operationalising a Positivist Paradigm
Step Description
1. Define the Research Problem and Objectives Clearly state the research problem and formulate measurable research objectives.
2. Conduct a Literature Review Review existing theoretical and empirical studies to identify key variables and prior findings.
3. Develop Hypotheses Formulate testable hypotheses that define relationships between variables (cause-and-effect).
4. Select a Research Design
Choose a quantitative research design, such as experiments, surveys, longitudinal, or cross-sectional
studies.
5. Define and Measure Variables Identify independent and dependent variables and establish operational definitions for measurement.
6. Select a Sampling Method Use probability sampling techniques (e.g., random, stratified, systematic) to ensure representativeness.
7. Collect Data Use structured methods like surveys, experiments, or secondary data while minimising researcher bias.
8. Analyze Data Statistically
Apply descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g., t-tests, correlations, regression, ANOVA) using statistical
software.
9. Interpret and Generalise Findings Compare results with theories, assess correlations, discuss significance, and evaluate external validity.
10. Ensure Objectivity and Replicability Maintain transparency in methodology, ensure reproducibility, and minimize bias.
11. Report and Disseminate Findings Present findings in a structured research report, including methodology, results, and discussion.

19. Benefits of a Positivist Approach in I/O Psychology
Provides measurable and
objective data
Ensures replicability and
reliability of findings
Allows for evidence based
decision making – data when
presented and analysed well is
compelling and readily drives
decision making
Well established validated
batteries of tools, instruments
and methodologies, which can
be easy to “rinse and repeat”

20. Limitations of Positivism in I/O Psychology
• May overlook subjective experiences and emotions
• Can be rigid and not account for context
• Ethical concerns in experimental workplace studies
• Alternative paradigms may offer deeper insights or
offer more opportunities for transformational
interventions