Participatory Paradigm

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Research is knowledge construction (Mertens, 2008). Researchers stand for different paradigms- positivism, post-positivism, constructivism, critical theory, participatory (Lincoln, Lynham, & Guba, 2011). A paradigm is a lens of thinking about the worldview that has a valid contribution to research. The paradigm is the skylight through which one can view in the world. It is a composition of individual’s values, beliefs, assumptions, behavior and attitude, verbal and nonverbal expression to observe the reality or truth in the world. The word ‘paradigm’ is drawn from Greek word ‘paradeigma’ (Kuhn, 1970b). It means ‘model’ or ‘pattern’. Guba and Lincoln made an important contribution to describe nature of five basic paradigms. Paradigm is a …show more content…

My position in paradigm: Participatory

Willis opined that each paradigm has a different history and each paradigm has been adopted historically to address a particular problem in social science (Willis & Jost, 2007). I have chosen my paradigm based on my research background and working experience. I have taken my position of participatory paradigm. Participatory paradigm is a relatively new concept of paradigm in social science theories(Heron & Reason, 1997). It is derived from qualitative research tradition. Participatory paradigm has been growing in recent years and particularly in the developing countries. Chambers(1986: 1) describes participatory paradigm as “…[c]oherent and mutually supportive pattern of concepts, values, methods, and action amenable to wide application”. It is based on the principle of participation and calls attention to bottom up approach. It treats society or people as research participants rather than research subjects (Brown, 1985). Participatory approach deals with the relation between who perform research and who are research subjects. A vital …show more content…

In this paradigm, research will be controlled by research participants as well as researchers. The most vital principle of participatory paradigm is to investigate and take to mean the views and experiences of people from their own viewpoint and allows them to take on measures to get better their circumstances. It deals with participation and self-development. It is people-centered. It is characterized as a “democratic”, “collaborative”, “participative” and “non-hierarchic”. When support of international aid is implemented in developing countries to intervene in the social crisis like poverty, climate change, environment, natural calamity, governance and to establish communities of practice, the researcher should belong to the knowledge of participatory paradigm. Taking account of local knowledge by the participatory research paradigm is very much significant to have the greater outcome of any project and program in developing

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