Monday, September 14, 2009
My research Paradigm
I definitely don't fit into one research paradigm only, but rather a mix of several. I believe I fit more into the am more of a social constructivist framework because I do believe people's lived experiences shape how they come to know the world and we can really only look into their lives through knowing this. I also believe that action research is important because we should be able to contribute back to the world and our research participants in some way. If we don't, I don't think our research has much meaning. Lastly, I do tend to follow more of a pragmatic view of research that uses mixed methods. Through the use of mixed methods, I believe a researcher is able to tell a story in several layers. Each layer offers the researcher a richer image and a deeper understanding of their subjects and the context.
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It is interesting to see that Robin, you, and I tend to be drawn towards constructivism. To me it seemed the most natural place to fall, although I definitely feel I fit almost all of the paradigms in one way or another. The question I raised with Robin is do you think that the constructivist worldview is more of a feminine worldview? Or is it just more of a humanist view? Since we are all female, that doesn't give us any males within our group to compare ourselves to. Maybe we can sneak a peak at some of the other blogs, like creepy tree house style, and answer this research question of gender and paradigms. LOL. Random thought I know.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your stance on action research. Making our efforts applicable to the needs of those around us is imperative. If we, as researchers, do not keep that element in mind, who will? If seeking a higher education doesn't in some way draw us towards helping our community and the greater world at large, then we have wasted a lot of years and money. Thanks for the food for thought :)
yes! yes! Bonnie. Great comments. I think the constructivist framework can be feminist but not exclusively. The beauty of it really depends on the individual or group subjects.
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteI agree that action research is important too, but I've had conserns with it ever since Katherine's literacy class. I guess I worry about my intentions as a researcher and making sure that people and things want and need to be changed. I have a fear of undervaluing a culture, lifestyle, or belief system simply becuase I don't understand it.
I think this is why I align myself with the pragmatic and constructivist worldviews; I see them having the ability to lead to action research if the need is there.
You guys are right to think about ideas of social construction of knowledge being often (but not exclusively, as Robin points out) related to feminism. I think much of feminist theory and scholarship is based on recognized multiple voices from multiple positions and this sort of necessitates a view of truth/Truth as a social construct rather than as a thing out there to find.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that participatory research often leads to those sorts of valuing of "Others" as well. I think Robin's concern about setting an agenda for others is a good point. I have that myself with the camp. I feel strongly that sort of technofeminist work is positive, but it's tough not to foist my goals and values on others. I guess an important part of activist research is really engaging multiple communities and voices and stakeholders and allowing us to build agendas together.
Yes to all of the above. Great posts. I guess the research itself often dictates the standpoint and I think the activist research fits nicely with feminist/constructionism since there will be reflexivity that is enunciated. I think that is somhow more honest, since you are actually "saying" what your position is within the paper or project.
ReplyDeleteSince the agenda is always there--I think it is nicer to expose it rather than trying to construct a fiction where it is hidden.