Methodological Paradigms in

Social Research
Quantitative, Qualitative, and
Participatory Action

Topics for this Chapter

Metatheory and social research

Quantitative paradigm
Qualitative paradigm
Participatory action research
paradigm

Metatheory and social research

Three major metatheoretical traditions in
social science:
Positivism - Quantitative
Phenomenology - Qualitative
Critical theory - PAR

Methodological Approaches =
Methodological Paradigms
Actual methods and techniques used, as well as
the underlying principles and assumptions
regarding their use

Metatheory and social research

(cont.)
Origins of the quantitative paradigm:
Lazarsfeld
Accepts the existence of theoretical constructs,
but the aim is to ensure that such constructs are
linked to observable measurements through the
notion of operational definitions
Natural science of society could only be valueneutral if subjectivity and prejudice were
disciplined by the dispassionate and systematic
application of statistics

Metatheory and social research

(cont.)
Qualitative paradigm:
Takes the insider perspective on social
action
Emphasis is on understanding and
describing than the explanation and
prediction of human behaviour

Metatheory and social research

(cont.)
History of the qualitative paradigm:
Three main categories of research
methods:
1. Participant observation
2. Unstructured or in-depth interviewing
3. The use of personal documents

Metatheory and social research

(cont.)
Participatory action research
paradigm:
Recurring themes of involvement,
participation, and politics (i.e. liberate
and empower those being studied)
First World using Third Worlds for their
own purposes

Metatheory and social research

(cont.)
Participatory action research
paradigm:
Location of power in the research
process
Continually addresses the question of
which political interests research satisfies
Reclaiming the three ways of knowing:
thinking, feeling, and acting

Metatheory and social research

(cont.)
Participatory action research
paradigm:
1. PAR as a version of action research
Knowledge about a system can be
generated while at the same time
attempting to change it (OD?)
Research process is carried out in
collaboration with those who experience
a problem

Metatheory and social research

(cont.)
Participatory action research
paradigm:
1. PAR as a version of action research
PAR redefines participation by giving coresearcher status to participants (comanaging and co-generating problem
solutions and new knowledge)
Emphasis on social change vs defense of
status quo

Metatheory and social research

(cont.)
Participatory action research
paradigm:
2. PAR as a version of participatory
research
PR = integrated activity that combines
social investigation, educational work,
and action
Four modes of participation
contractual, consultative, collaborative,
and collegiate