Participatory vs. Postpositivism

Attribute	Participatory	Postpositivism
Ontology	Multiple realities	Objective reality
Epistemology	Subjective knowledge	Objective knowledge
Methodology	Qualitative, participatory methods	Quantitative, experimental methods
Role of researcher	Collaborator, co-creator	Objective observer
Goal of research	Empowerment, social change	Prediction, explanation

Introduction

Participatory and postpositivism are two distinct research paradigms that guide the way researchers approach the study of social phenomena. While both paradigms aim to understand the world around us, they do so in different ways and with different underlying assumptions. In this article, we will compare the attributes of participatory and postpositivism to highlight their key differences and similarities.

Participatory Research

Participatory research is a collaborative approach to inquiry that involves active involvement of participants in the research process. This paradigm emphasizes the importance of engaging with the community being studied and valuing their perspectives and knowledge. Participatory researchers often work closely with community members to co-create knowledge and address social issues. This approach is rooted in the belief that those most affected by a problem should be involved in finding solutions.

• Emphasizes collaboration and co-creation of knowledge
• Values the perspectives and knowledge of community members
• Focuses on addressing social issues and empowering marginalized groups
• Advocates for the active involvement of participants in the research process
• Seeks to create positive social change through research

Postpositivism

Postpositivism, on the other hand, is a more traditional approach to research that is based on the principles of logical positivism. This paradigm emphasizes the importance of objectivity, empirical observation, and the use of scientific methods in research. Postpositivist researchers seek to uncover universal truths and causal relationships through systematic observation and experimentation. This approach is grounded in the belief that knowledge can be obtained through rigorous and systematic inquiry.

• Emphasizes objectivity and empirical observation
• Values the use of scientific methods in research
• Focuses on uncovering universal truths and causal relationships
• Advocates for systematic observation and experimentation
• Seeks to generate knowledge through rigorous inquiry

Key Differences

One key difference between participatory and postpositivism is their underlying assumptions about the nature of reality. Participatory research is based on the belief that reality is socially constructed and subjective, while postpositivism assumes that reality is objective and can be known through empirical observation. This difference in ontological perspective shapes the way researchers in each paradigm approach the study of social phenomena.

Another key difference is the role of the researcher in the research process. In participatory research, the researcher is seen as a collaborator and facilitator who works alongside participants to co-create knowledge. In contrast, postpositivist researchers are expected to maintain a certain level of objectivity and distance from the subjects being studied. This difference in the researcher's role has implications for the way data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted.

Key Similarities

Despite their differences, participatory and postpositivism share some common attributes. Both paradigms value the importance of systematic inquiry and the use of rigorous methods in research. They both aim to generate knowledge that is reliable, valid, and generalizable. Additionally, both paradigms seek to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields and to address important social issues.

Furthermore, both participatory and postpositivism recognize the importance of ethical considerations in research. Researchers in both paradigms are expected to adhere to ethical guidelines and principles to ensure the well-being and rights of participants. This shared commitment to ethical research practices underscores the importance of conducting research in a responsible and respectful manner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, participatory and postpositivism are two distinct research paradigms that offer different approaches to understanding the world around us. While participatory research emphasizes collaboration, community engagement, and social change, postpositivism focuses on objectivity, empirical observation, and the discovery of universal truths. Despite their differences, both paradigms share a commitment to rigorous inquiry, ethical research practices, and the advancement of knowledge. Researchers can choose to adopt either paradigm based on their research goals, values, and beliefs about the nature of reality.