Positivist & Interpretivist

• Positvist


  Reality is objective, it exists apart from researchers and can be seen by all.
• Positvist

  If a tree falls it DOES make a sound. reality does not depend on an answer
• Interpretive


  No single reality, each observer creates reality as part of the research process. it is subjective and exists only in reference to the observer.
• Interpretive


  If a tree falls it DOES NOT make a noise. reality exist only in the observer.
• Positivist


  Strives for objectivity, and thus separates himself form the data.
• Positivist


  Designs the study before the study begins.
• Positivist


  Uses controlled settings to avoid contaminating the data.
• Positivist


  Creates and uses a measurement that could be used by other researchers to ideally capture the same data.
• Positivist


  Uses research to test, support, or reject theory.
• Interpretive


  Is an integral part of the data.
• Interpretive

  Has a design that can be adjusted or changed as the research progresses.
• Interpretive


  Tries to capture the normal flow of events without controlling extraneous variables.
• Interpretive


  The researcher is the instrument, no other individual can substitute.
• Interpretive


  Develops theory as part of the research process driven and emerges as part of the research process.
• Positivist


  More closely associated with quantitative research.
• Interpretive


  Most closely connected with qualitative research.