Lecture note on research philosophy for MBA students: positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism, and critical realism

Lecture note on research philosophy for MBA students: positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism, and critical realism

Highlight 4 main ideas and 4 practice advices based on the 4 ideas on each of the following 4 topics in the context of MBA dissertation projects: 1. positivism 2. interpretivism 3. pragmatism 4. critical realism

Based on MBA dissertation research methodology, here are the 4 main ideas and 4 corresponding practice advices for each of the four research philosophies:

---

1. POSITIVISM

4 Main Ideas

Idea	Explanation
Definition	Reality is objective and independent of the researcher; knowledge is observable, measurable, and factual
Core Assumption	Only observable phenomena and facts constitute valid knowledge; seeks universal laws through statistical generalization
Methodology	Relies on structured quantitative methods (surveys, experiments, statistical analysis) with deductive approach
Research Goal	Form universal rules and discoveries through hypothesis testing, aiming for replication and objectivity

4 Practice Advices

1.    Use quantitative methods: Employ structured surveys, experiments, or statistical analysis of objective data (e.g., financial statements, NAV-yield data)

2.    Apply deductive approach: Start with hypotheses derived from theory and test them empirically to confirm or reject

3.    Ensure reliability: Design for replication, validity, and reliability using standardized instruments and large sample sizes

4.    Justify objectivity: Explain how your philosophy fits objective data types and research objectives focused on testing relationships

---

2. INTERPRETIVISM

4 Main Ideas

Idea	Explanation
Definition	Focuses on interpretations, meanings, and understandings; reality is subjectively constructed through human experiences
Core Assumption	Knowledge is interpreted subjectively through experiences; researchers' values influence all research phases
Methodology	Uses qualitative methods (semi-structured interviews, case studies, focus groups, observations) for depth and context
Research Goal	Explore diverse attitudes, perceptions, and subjective human experiences within specific social contexts

4 Practice Advices

1.    Use qualitative depth: Employ in-depth semi-structured interviews, case studies, or focus groups to generate rich, detailed data

2.    Adopt empathic stance: Position yourself as empathic and curious, understanding participants' experiences from their own perspectives

3.    Contextualize data: Treat data as specific to its context; emphasize subjective experiences and interpretive meaning-making

4.    Justify subjectivity: Link interpretivism to exploratory objectives seeking perceptions/experiences in specific social contexts (e.g., REIT investor motivations)

---

3. PRAGMATISM

4 Main Ideas

Idea	Explanation
Definition	Focuses on practical solutions, real-world outcomes, and answering research questions in the most effective way
Core Assumption	Concepts are relevant only if they support action; recognizes multiple realities and no single viewpoint gives the entire picture
Methodology	Integrates qualitative AND quantitative methods; can combine deductive/inductive, objective/subjective approaches flexibly
Research Goal	Research question is the primary determinant; use whatever method combination best advances answers (like architects using materials)

4 Practice Advices

1.    Justify by research question: Explain that your research question drives philosophy choice, not predetermined method preferences

2.    Use mixed methods strategically: Combine quantitative + qualitative (e.g., regression analysis of yield data + interviews with REIT managers) when it advances answers

3.    Avoid forced multiplicity: Don't use multiple methods unless they advance the research; pragmatists use methods that work best, not all methods

4.    Highlight practical relevance: Emphasize real-world outcomes and actionable solutions—aligns naturally with MBA's practical focus

---

4. CRITICAL REALISM

4 Main Ideas

Idea	Explanation
Definition	Distinguishes between the 'real' world (unobservable structures) and 'observable' world (visible events)
Core Assumption	Unobservable structures cause observable events; the real exists independently of human perceptions but can only be understood through observation
Methodology	Requires understanding generative structures behind events; often uses qualitative methods to uncover hidden mechanisms
Research Goal	Understand social world by explaining structures that generate events, not just describing observable patterns

4 Practice Advices

1.    Look beyond observation: Design research to uncover hidden causal structures behind observable phenomena (e.g., market mechanisms behind price movements)

2.    Use explanatory depth: Combine methods that explain why events occur, not just what occurs—often qualitative exploration of underlying mechanisms

3.    Justify for complex phenomena: Use critical realism for social/economic phenomena where unobservable structures (power, institutions) shape outcomes

4.    Connect real to observable: Explicitly show how your methods link unobservable structures to observable events in your analysis

---

Quick Integration for MBA Dissertation

Chain of Reasoning Framework:

text

Research Question → Philosophy Choice → Approach → Design → Methods → Quality Safeguards

Word Allocation (for 1,000–2,000 word methodology chapter):

·        Research philosophy: 1–2 paragraphs (10–15% ≈ 100–300 words)

·        Name your stance explicitly and link to data type + objectives

Choice Guidance for your context (Singapore REITs/dividend stocks):

·        Positivism: Testing relationships (e.g., NAV yield vs. dividend returns)

·        Interpretivism: Exploring investor perceptions/experiences

·        Pragmatism: Mixed methods (quantitative analysis + qualitative interviews) — most common for MBA

·        Critical Realism: Understanding market mechanisms behind REIT performance

Key: Justify choices, not just list them.

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.