A briefing by chatgpt (accessed via poe.com) on how the choice of research philosophy affects research method design: a note for MBA students
My question 1: "As a lecturer on Research Methods for an MBA programme, I find it not easy how the choice of research philosophy could affect the specific inquiry priority and characteristics of a research method design linked to it. So, could you tell me how the choice of positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism and critical realism could affect the priority and characteristics of the following research method design: (i) interview research, (ii) questionnaire survey, (iii) observational research, and (iv) focus group, with regard to the domain of MBA study?"
The reply from chatgpt: "The choice of research philosophy significantly influences the design and execution of research methods in an MBA context. Here’s a breakdown of how each philosophy—positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism, and critical realism—affects the priorities and characteristics of different research methods: interview research, questionnaire surveys, observational research, and focus groups.
1. Positivism
Characteristics:
Focuses on quantifiable data and observable phenomena.
Seeks to uncover general laws through hypothesis testing.
Impact on Research Methods:
Interview Research: Structured interviews with closed questions may be preferred to gather specific data and measure variables.
Questionnaire Survey: Surveys designed with fixed responses allow for statistical analysis, emphasizing reliability and objectivity.
Observational Research: Systematic observation with predefined criteria, aiming for replicability and classification of behaviors.
Focus Group: Less common in positivist approaches, but if used, it would lean towards structured discussions to quantify opinions.
2. Interpretivism
Characteristics:
Emphasizes understanding the subjective meaning of social phenomena.
Focuses on context and the complexity of human experiences.
Impact on Research Methods:
Interview Research: Unstructured or semi-structured interviews that allow for depth and exploration of participant perspectives.
Questionnaire Survey: Open-ended questions to capture subjective experiences and insights, rather than just quantitative data.
Observational Research: Qualitative observations that consider the context and meaning behind behaviors.
Focus Group: Facilitates in-depth discussions to explore attitudes and beliefs, prioritizing participant interaction and narrative.
3. Pragmatism
Characteristics:
Advocates for a mixed-methods approach, valuing practical outcomes over strict adherence to philosophical doctrines.
Emphasizes the research question's relevance and the applicability of findings.
Impact on Research Methods:
Interview Research: A combination of structured and unstructured techniques to gain both breadth and depth of understanding.
Questionnaire Survey: Use of mixed questions (both quantitative and qualitative) to gather diverse data types.
Observational Research: Flexibility in observation methods, integrating both qualitative insights and quantitative measures.
Focus Group: Adaptable formats that can change based on the research context, allowing for both structured and open discussions.
4. Critical Realism
Characteristics:
Recognizes the existence of a reality independent of human perceptions but acknowledges the complexity of social phenomena.
Focuses on understanding underlying mechanisms and structures.
Impact on Research Methods:
Interview Research: Semi-structured interviews that explore both individual experiences and the broader structural influences on those experiences.
Questionnaire Survey: Surveys designed to uncover deeper insights into the perception of reality, possibly including both quantitative and qualitative elements.
Observational Research: Contextual observations that seek to understand not just behaviors but the structures influencing them.
Focus Group: Encourages discussions that reveal the interplay between individual experiences and broader societal contexts, emphasizing critical reflection.
Conclusion
The choice of research philosophy shapes the priorities and characteristics of research methods in an MBA context. Understanding these influences helps researchers select the most appropriate methods to address their specific research questions, ensuring that they align with their philosophical stance and the nature of the inquiry."
My question 2: "Are there any issues that a researcher needs to pay attention to if a dissertation project employs more than one research philosophy, e.g. interpretivism for interview research and then positivism for questionnaire survey? Would it be theoretically confusing to do so?"
The reply from chatgpt: "Yes, employing multiple research philosophies in a dissertation project can present several challenges and considerations. Here are some issues a researcher should pay attention to when integrating different philosophies, such as interpretivism for interview research and positivism for a questionnaire survey:
1. Theoretical Consistency
Potential Confusion: Mixing philosophies can lead to theoretical confusion. Each philosophy has distinct assumptions about reality, knowledge, and research objectives. Researchers must clearly articulate how these philosophies complement each other in the context of their study.
Framework Justification: It’s crucial to justify why different philosophies are being used. A clear rationale should explain how each method serves the research questions and objectives.
2. Methodological Integration
Design Cohesion: Ensure that the different methods are not only theoretically justified but also practically integrated. The transition between qualitative and quantitative methods should be smooth and coherent.
Data Interpretation: Be prepared to address potential conflicts in findings that arise from different methodologies. For instance, qualitative insights from interviews might not align neatly with quantitative results from surveys.
3. Epistemological Challenges
Different Knowledge Claims: Positivism seeks objective truths, while interpretivism focuses on subjective meanings. Researchers must carefully consider how to reconcile these differing knowledge claims in their analysis and conclusions.
Mixed Methods Justification: If using a mixed-methods approach, it's essential to explain how integration enhances understanding and contributes to the overall research narrative.
4. Research Design Complexity
Increased Complexity: Utilizing multiple philosophies can complicate the research design. Researchers need to be meticulous in planning how each method will be implemented and how they will contribute to the overall study.
Sampling Considerations: Different philosophies may require different sampling techniques. For example, qualitative interviews might use purposive sampling, while a quantitative survey may use random sampling.
5. Potential Biases
Bias Awareness: Researchers should be conscious of biases that may arise from using different methodological approaches. For example, the researcher’s interpretation in qualitative research may differ from statistical interpretations in quantitative analysis.
6. Evaluation Criteria
Differing Criteria for Validity and Reliability: Positivist approaches emphasize reliability and validity, while interpretivist approaches focus on credibility and transferability. Researchers must determine how to evaluate the rigor of each method appropriately.
Conclusion
While it is theoretically possible to employ multiple research philosophies in a dissertation, doing so requires careful planning and justification. Researchers must clearly articulate how the different approaches contribute to the overall understanding of the research problem and address potential inconsistencies in findings. A well-structured rationale and a coherent integration of methods can enhance the richness of the research while minimizing confusion."
Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.
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