Positivism and post positivism Approach in research

Positivism and post Positivism Approach

There are two important approaches famous among sociological researchers i.e Positivism and Post Positivism.

Positivism

this approach was first formalted by the French thinker Auguste Comte. Thus, he is considered the 'father of positivism'. He first described the Epistemological perspective of positivism in 'The course in positive philosophy' and 'System of positive polity'. The positivism based on scientific basis.

Positivism is a philosophical stance that emphasizes empirical observation, measurement, and the verification of facts through the scientific method. It assumes that the only authentic knowledge is scientific knowledge, which is derived from observable phenomena and can be tested and validated. Positivists often seek to explain and predict social and natural phenomena through rigorous empirical research, using quantifiable data and statistical analysis.

Approaches to find research methodology.

Epistemology is the study of knowledge. the deals with the origin, nature, scope and methods to acquire knowledge. This term was first used by Frederick Ferrier.

Ontology is a branch of philosophy that deals with the study of the nature of reality, existence, and being. It seeks to answer fundamental questions about what exists, what can be said to exist, and how entities relate to one another. 

Axiology it is deals with value system and ethical practices.

Characteristics of positivism

1)Empirical Observation

Positivism places a strong emphasis on empirical observation, which means that knowledge should be derived from direct, measurable, and observable experiences and facts.

2)Scientific Method

 It advocates the use of the scientific method, involving systematic and objective processes such as hypothesis formulation, experimentation, data collection, and analysis to understand the world and test theories.

3)Objectivity

Positivism seeks objectivity in research, aiming to minimize personal biases and subjectivity in the interpretation of data. Researchers strive to be impartial and rely on verifiable evidence.

4)Quantitative Data

Positivist research often involves the collection and analysis of quantitative data, using statistical methods to draw conclusions and make predictions. This is common in fields like economics and psychology.

5)Verification and Falsifiability

Positivism values theories and hypotheses that can be empirically verified or falsified through observation and experimentation. This is often associated with the philosophy of Karl Popper.

Post- Positivism approach

Post-positivism is often associated with contemporary philosophy of science and is particularly influential in the social sciences and humanities. It offers a more nuanced and flexible approach to research, acknowledging the complexities of human understanding and the limitations of strict empiricism. Researchers who adopt a post-positivist stance aim to balance objectivity with an awareness of the inherent subjectivity in the research process.