Research Paradigms and Designs with their Application in Education

Abstract

This is a theoretical paper of research paradigms and designs and how such terminologies are applied in educational research. Research provides the basis for understanding natural phenomenon and can be used as a tool to find solutions to human problems. A researcher’s understanding of research paradigms and designs in education forms the basis for an effective research undertaking. The application of research paradigms and designs in education is the focus of this article. The paper is divided in two major sections. Section one is on research paradigms and covers philosophical foundations of research and research paradigms or world views such as positivism, post-positivism, interpretivism, constructivism and pragmatism are included in this paper. Section two covers research designs, types of quantitative, qualitative and mixed research designs and provides basic knowledge on research designs.