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Understanding and Applying Research Paradigms in Educational Contexts

Author

Listed:
  • Charles Kivunja
  • Ahmed Bawa Kuyini

Abstract

The concept of research paradigm is one that many higher degree research students, and even early career researchers, find elusive to articulate, and challenging to apply in their research proposals. Adopting an ethnographic and hermeneutic methodology, the present paper draws upon our experiences as lecturers in Research Methods over many years, and upon pertinent literature to explain the meaning of research paradigm. The paper elucidates the key aspects of research paradigms that researchers should understand well to be able to address this concept adequately in their research proposals. It offers suggestions on how researchers can locate their research into a paradigm and the justification needed for paradigm choice. With the explicit purpose of helping higher degree research (HDR) students design effective research proposals, the paper also discusses the different research methodologies best suited to conduct research in each of the paradigms discussed.Â

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Kivunja & Ahmed Bawa Kuyini, 2017. "Understanding and Applying Research Paradigms in Educational Contexts," International Journal of Higher Education, Sciedu Press, vol. 6(5), pages 1-26, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:jfr:ijhe11:v:6:y:2017:i:5:p:26
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. James Scotland, 2012. "Exploring the Philosophical Underpinnings of Research: Relating Ontology and Epistemology to the Methodology and Methods of the Scientific, Interpretive, and Critical Research Paradigms," English Language Teaching, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 5(9), pages 1-9, September.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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