PARADIGMAS DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN (Parte 1)

Understanding Research Paradigms

Introduction to Research Paradigms

• The video introduces the concept of research paradigms, emphasizing a departure from traditional methodologies typically found in academic texts and online resources.

• It mentions the common paradigms such as positivism, naturalism, and critical judgment, while introducing the paradigm of complexity as an additional perspective.

Definition of a Research Paradigm

• A research paradigm is defined as a model of thought comprising theories, methods, techniques, procedures, norms, and principles shared by a scientific community to address specific problems.

• The discussion highlights that multiple scientific perspectives exist regarding research issues.

Overview of Different Paradigms

Positivism

• Positivism aims to explain reality through causal relationships to predict behaviors and control outcomes.

Naturalism

• In contrast to positivism, naturalism focuses on understanding reality through interpretation rather than viewing it merely as an object; it emphasizes subjective meanings constructed by individuals.

Socio-Critical Paradigm

• This paradigm shares some aspects with positivism but incorporates a critical stance towards established knowledge and seeks social transformation.

• It posits that knowledge can only be attained through transforming reality.

Complexity Paradigm

• Recently introduced by Edgar Morin, this paradigm advocates for relational integration of knowledge rather than fragmentation.

• It addresses complex phenomena in reality and critiques previous dominant scientific traditions like positivism.

Perspectives on Reality Across Paradigms

Positivist Viewpoint

• For positivists, reality is objective and exists independently of human consciousness; it is tangible and measurable.

Naturalist Perspective

• Naturalists argue that reality is constructed based on personal experiences and beliefs; they view it as holistic rather than purely objective.

Marxist Alignment with Naturalism

• Marxist theory aligns with naturalistic views on constructed realities but acknowledges some degree of material objectivity within societal structures.

Complexity's Systematic Approach

• The complexity paradigm sees reality as systematic yet chaotic; it suggests that parts influence the whole in non-linear ways.

Interrelation Between Subject and Object in Research

Positivist Relationship Dynamics

• In positivism, the relationship between subject (researcher) and object (subject matter) should be independent and free from values.

Understanding the Relationship Between Subject and Object in Research

The Distinction Between Naturalism and Socio-Critical Paradigms

• The concept of distancing allows researchers to approach their subjects based on the inherent laws and dynamics of the object, aiming for an objective understanding of reality. This notion is heavily criticized by naturalist traditions.

• In social research, the subject (researcher) becomes part of the community being studied, influencing their values and beliefs. This interrelation challenges the idea of a strict separation between subject and object.

• The socio-critical paradigm emphasizes that this relationship is influenced by a commitment to change, contrasting with naturalism's perspective which maintains a more detached view.

• For Marxism, this relationship is deeper; it necessitates a transformative commitment from researchers who cannot remain neutral or separate from their subjects.

• Knowledge construction in complex paradigms views action and knowledge as inseparable; thus, researchers are integral parts of the systems they study, affecting their perceptions and outcomes.

Goals of Different Research Paradigms

• Positivist research aims to generalize knowledge that can be applied universally across contexts without considering specific circumstances.

• In contrast, Marxism posits that knowledge serves only one purpose: transforming reality through conscious engagement by researchers. Understanding occurs only when there is an active transformation process involved.