Asking Chatgpt to clarify post-positivism in the context of doing dissertation projects: a note for Housing Studies students

Asking Chatgpt (accessed via poe.com) to clarify post-positivism in the context of doing dissertation projects:  a note for Housing Studies students

Introduction and my first question: "I am a part-time Undergraduate Housing Studies student. Currently, I am working on the formulation of my dissertation project proposal. My research theme is on the Hong Kong society's perceptions on "the relationship between housing affordability and homelessness in Hong Kong". I am considering whether I should use the research philosophy of post-positivism for my dissertation project work. Thus, I have a few questions to ask you. First of all, could you give me 6 main underlying ideaa of post-positivism?"

The reply from Chatgpt: "Certainly! Here are six main underlying ideas of post-positivism:

Fallibility of Knowledge: Post-positivism acknowledges that all knowledge is provisional and subject to revision. Researchers must remain open to new evidence and interpretations.

Complexity of Reality: It recognizes that reality is complex and influenced by multiple factors. Researchers must consider contextual variables and the interplay of social, economic, and cultural elements.

Use of Multiple Methods: Post-positivism advocates for methodological pluralism, meaning that both quantitative and qualitative methods can be used to better understand a phenomenon.

Critical Realism: This philosophy emphasizes that while reality exists independently of our perceptions, our understanding of it is always mediated by our experiences and social contexts.

Value-laden Research: Post-positivism acknowledges that research is influenced by the researcher’s values and biases, and encourages reflexivity in the research process.

Focus on Causality: While recognizing complexity, post-positivism seeks to understand causal relationships, often through hypothesis testing, but remains cautious about drawing definitive conclusions.

These principles can guide your research on housing affordability and homelessness in Hong Kong, helping you to critically engage with the topic and its complexities."

My second question: "Tks for information. Could you also tell me three post-positivism ideas that differ from that of positivism?"

The reply from Chatgpt is: "Sure! Here are three key ideas that differentiate post-positivism from positivism:

Recognition of Subjectivity: Unlike positivism, which asserts that researchers can remain objective and detached, post-positivism acknowledges that all research is influenced by the researcher’s perspectives and biases. It emphasizes the importance of reflexivity in understanding these influences.

Emphasis on Contextuality: Post-positivism recognizes that knowledge is context-dependent and shaped by social, cultural, and historical factors. In contrast, positivism tends to seek universal laws and generalizations that apply across contexts.

Provisional Nature of Knowledge: While positivism often claims certainty in knowledge derived from empirical data, post-positivism views knowledge as tentative and subject to change with new evidence. This leads to a more cautious interpretation of findings and a focus on ongoing inquiry."

My last question is: "If I am going to use interview research, questionnaire survey and desk research to study my dissertation topic of the Hong Kong society's perceptions on "the relationship between housing affordability and homelessness in Hong Kong" and links these research methods to post-positivism, what could the research proposal look like in this case?"

The reply from Chatgpt is: "Here's a structured outline for your research proposal that links your chosen methods to post-positivism:

Research Proposal Outline

Title

Exploring the Relationship Between Housing Affordability and Homelessness in Hong Kong: A Post-Positivist Approach

Introduction

Background: Brief overview of housing issues in Hong Kong, including affordability and homelessness.

Research Problem: Highlight the gap in understanding societal perceptions and the complexities of the relationship between housing affordability and homelessness.

Research Objectives

To explore how different segments of Hong Kong society perceive the relationship between housing affordability and homelessness.

To identify key factors influencing these perceptions.

Research Questions

What are the public perceptions of housing affordability in Hong Kong?

How do these perceptions relate to views on homelessness?

What contextual factors shape these perceptions?

Methodology

Qualitative Interviews

Rationale: To gather in-depth insights into individual perceptions and experiences. This aligns with post-positivism by allowing for a nuanced understanding of complex social realities.

Participants: Diverse groups from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Questionnaire Survey

Rationale: To quantitatively assess trends and correlations in perceptions across a larger population. This method provides empirical data while acknowledging the complexity of social phenomena.

Design: Include both closed and open-ended questions to capture a range of views.

Desk Research

Rationale: To contextualize findings within existing literature and data. This method will help to triangulate results and provide a comprehensive overview of the housing situation in Hong Kong.

Sources: Government reports, academic articles, and NGO publications.

Linking Methods to Post-Positivism

Complexity and Context: Each method will account for the complexity of the relationship between housing affordability and homelessness, reflecting the post-positivist view that knowledge is context-dependent.

Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches: Utilizing multiple methods enhances the validity of findings, aligning with post-positivism’s methodological pluralism.

Reflexivity: The research will incorporate reflexive practices, acknowledging the researcher’s role in shaping data interpretation.

Data Analysis

Qualitative Analysis: Thematic analysis of interview transcripts to identify common themes.

Quantitative Analysis: Statistical analysis of survey data to identify patterns and correlations.

Expected Outcomes

A comprehensive understanding of societal perceptions regarding housing affordability and homelessness.

Recommendations for policy implications based on findings.

Conclusion

Reiterate the significance of the study and its contribution to understanding the complex interplay between housing issues in Hong Kong.

This outline provides a clear framework for your dissertation proposal, integrating post-positivist principles with your chosen research methods."

Some overall evaluation comments

The replies from Chatgpt are informative and concrete.

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.