Research Paradigm

A researcher is interested in understanding the experiences of patients who have undergone a new form of
therapy for chronic pain. The researcher conducts in-depth interviews with a small group of patients to explore
their personal stories, emotions, and perceptions of the therapy’s effectiveness. The researcher analyzes the data
by identifying themes and patterns from the participants’ narratives.
Question: What research paradigm does the scenario represent? What assumptions are made about the nature of
reality and knowledge in this paradigm? What is the research methodology that aligns with this paradigm?
Scenario: A study is conducted to explore how socioeconomic status influences access to healthcare services in
an urban area. The researcher employs a critical lens, analyzing how power structures, economic inequality, and
social policies contribute to disparities in healthcare access. The researcher also engages with the community,
advocating for policy changes based on the findings.
Question: What research paradigm does the scenario represent? What are the assumptions of this paradigm
guided the research in the scenario?
Scenario: A healthcare organization is exploring ways to improve patient satisfaction and operational efficiency.
The researcher chooses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative focus
groups to gather numerical data and patient feedback. The researcher is less concerned with adhering to a single
research paradigm and more focused on finding practical solutions that work in the real world.
Question: What research paradigm does the scenario represent? What philosophical assumptions are with this
paradigm, and how do they differ from those of other paradigms? What is the research methodology that aligns
with this paradigm?