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3.1 Introduction
3. Research Framework
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Chapter 3 Research Framework
This chapter will discuss the various research paradigms and research
methodologies/strategies used in healthcare research. Subsequently the rationales for
choosing a pragmatic paradigm and a phase one case study and phase two action
research approach will be presented. This chapter will then explore the data
collection methods and data analysis options available to the researcher. Issues
around maintaining research rigour will then be addressed. The chapter will conclude
with a discussion of the ethical responsibilities inherent in conducting research.
3.2 Research Paradigms
Paradigms are sets of practices and beliefs. They categorise inquiry within
disciplines. They are characterised by ontological, epistemological and
methodological differences in their approach to research and contribution to
knowledge. According to Denzin and Lincoln (1994), “ontology” describes what is
the real world and what can be known about it, “epistemology” describes what is the
relationship between the knower and what can be known, and “methodology”
describes how the inquirer can go about finding out whatever he or she believes can
be known. Thus the researcher’s ontology directs the epistemology and subsequently
the methodology. Therefore the paradigm provides a framework or a lens in order to
accomplish an investigation. A paradigm may also be referred to as a “disciplinary
matrix”, “research tradition” or “worldview” (Allen et al., 1986).
Weaver and Olson (2006) suggested that there is no one paradigm superior to
another. Rather, different paradigms can inform different aspects vital to nursing
practice and that the choice of the research paradigm is often guided by the current
state of knowledge about a particular area of nursing. The literature revealed that
there are many paradigms recognised for nursing research but no apparent consensus
on these (Creswell, 2009; Weaver and Olson, 2006; Denzin and Lincoln, 1994).
Denzin and Lincoln (1994) outlined six main paradigms: constructionism,
interpretivism, feminism, positivism, post-positivism and critical theory. Creswell
(2009) outlined four main paradigms: post-positivism, participatory/advocacy, social