Everything we see, hear, and do has its own worldview, a language through which it is understood and that tells a story of research approaches. Each research approach has its own assumptions, data, analysis, and interpretation. The research approaches (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed) should not be seen as discrete but rather as a continuum with two different ends. Quantitative research seeks to gather numerical data through closed-ended questions and responses, while qualitative research aims to gather information through open-ended questions and responses. Qualitative research employs an inductive style, whereas quantitative research uses a deductive style. A framework for research reveals that worldviews/philosophy, design, and research methods are interconnected.

(Note: Worldview – a basic set of beliefs that guide action – Guba 1990. Also known as Paradigms Lincoln et al., 2011, Epistemologies and Ontologies Crotty, 1998, broadly research methodologies, Neuman 2009) The worldview helps us understand the underlying philosophical orientation about the world and the nature of research that a researcher brings to a study. There are four widely discussed worldviews/philosophies.

Worldview of the Positivisit : Before we explore on this worldview watch the video

On watching this video, one must have heard data, facts, and references indicative of the scientific method often employed in science research, which is quantitative in nature. This research, grounded in empirical evidence, challenges the notion of the absolute truth of knowledge (also known as Theory of Knowledge/TOK or epistemology) and beliefs (also known as Theory of beliefs/TOB or ontology) by demonstrating that certainty about knowledge claims is elusive.

At several points in the video, Mr. Chidambaram reduces the bill’s ideas into small, discrete sets (reductionism) and discusses deterministic effects or outcomes through a series of closed-ended questions. Through his observations of the bill, he extracts data (empirical observations) and hypotheses used to arrive at the bill’s subjects or items. After each subject or item, he emphasizes the need for further clarification and testing of the bill’s ideas (theory verification).

Some Q & A’s to understand this worldview

Question 1: Taking a cue from the video, how does the scientific method challenge traditional notions of absolute truth and knowledge? Can we truly rely on empirical evidence to provide definitive answers?

Answer: The traditional notion of absolute truth by demonstrating that scientific knowledge is based on empirical evidence, which is subject to interpretation and refinement. While empirical evidence is crucial for building reliable knowledge, it’s essential to recognize that it’s always provisional and subject to change as new evidence emerges. Therefore, absolute certainty is often unattainable in scientific inquiry.

Question 2: Mr. Chidambaram’s approach of breaking down complex issues into smaller components is a common analytical technique. However, does this reductionist approach always capture the full complexity of a problem? When might a more holistic approach be necessary?

Answer: While reductionism is a valuable tool for understanding complex systems, it can oversimplify problems by ignoring interactions between components. A holistic approach, which considers the system as a whole, is often necessary to capture emergent properties and unexpected outcomes. For instance, studying individual parts of an ecosystem might not reveal how they interact to create a balanced environment.

Question 3: Taking cue from the video, there is an emphasize of the importance of testing ideas through empirical evidence. How can we ensure that our methods for testing theories are rigorous and unbiased? What are the potential pitfalls of relying solely on empirical verification?

Answer: Rigorous research methods, including randomized controlled trials, peer review, and replication, are essential for ensuring the reliability of empirical evidence. However, biases can still influence research design, data collection, and analysis. It’s crucial to be aware of potential biases and to implement measures to mitigate them. Additionally, relying solely on empirical verification can overlook other forms of knowledge, such as qualitative data, expert opinion, and ethical considerations.

Question 4: How does the language used in framing research questions and interpreting data influence our understanding of the world? Can the same data be interpreted differently based on language choices?

Answer: Language plays a significant role in shaping research and its outcomes. The choice of words can influence how we perceive and frame research questions, leading to different interpretations of the same data. For example, using emotionally charged language can bias research findings. It’s essential to use clear and unbiased language to promote objectivity in research. Additionally, considering multiple perspectives and interpretations of data can help to uncover hidden biases and enhance the overall understanding of a phenomenon.

Worldview of the Constructivisit : Before we explore on this worldview watch the video

This worldview is often combined with interpretivism that uses qualitative research. Observe the specific portion between Member of Parliament and Leader of Opposition Mr. Rahul Ghandi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as an observer (You) one understands the worldview which has social and cultural influence. The subjective meaning is based on individuals experiences and it could be varied for individuals and others of different worldviews. The goal of the researcher relies on the participants’ view and to look for the complexity of views. The researcher employs open-ended questions (Banned BBC documentary India’s daughter tells what they think) allowing the participants’ to share their views on their understanding of life settings. If we put Mr. Rahul Ghandi as a researcher (and interpreter) his interpretations is also based on his background that has shaped him scheme of Agniveer view. His interpretations has Qualitative research check this video (click here), open-ended questions, listening and understanding the background of what Agniveer parents have to say had inductive approach that developed a theory or pattern of meaning.

Some Q & A’s to understand this worldview

Question: How does a researcher’s worldview influence the research process, particularly in qualitative research?

Answer: A researcher’s worldview shapes their perspective, the questions they ask, and the interpretations they draw from the data. In qualitative research, where subjectivity is central, a researcher’s background and beliefs inevitably color their understanding of participants’ experiences. It’s crucial to be aware of these influences to mitigate bias and strive for objectivity.

Question: What ethical considerations should researchers keep in mind when conducting interpretive research, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like the Agniveer scheme?

Answer: Researchers must prioritize participant well-being, obtaining informed consent, protecting anonymity, and avoiding harm. They should also be mindful of the potential impact of their research findings on the community and take steps to mitigate negative consequences. Additionally, researchers should be transparent about their own biases and limitations.

Question: To what extent can findings from qualitative research, such as in-depth interviews with Agniveer parents, be generalized to the broader population?

Answer: Qualitative research often provides rich, detailed insights into specific cases but might not be representative of the entire population. Generalizability is limited. However, these findings can generate hypotheses for further quantitative research or inform policy decisions. It’s essential to interpret qualitative results cautiously and avoid overgeneralization.

Question: What are the unique contributions of interpretive research to understanding complex social issues like the Agniveer scheme?

Answer: Interpretive research offers a deeper, more nuanced understanding of people’s lived experiences, which quantitative methods often miss. It can uncover hidden meanings, perspectives, and motivations. By providing a voice to marginalized groups, interpretive research can challenge existing power structures and inform social change.

(to be edited and sources to be mentioned)

Santosh Avvannavar as a student of Education Action Research