Discuss the importance of pinpointing the philosophic assumptions that underpin any research study. Include an introduction of the term ‘paradigm’, its definition, the benefit or purpose of defining it in research, what it consists of (ontology and epistemology and their definitions), and then introduce briefly the main paradigms (positivism, interpretivism, critical theory, pragmatism). Then, discuss pragmatism (2 pages) as the chosen philosophic assumption, its definition, its ontology and epistemology. Talk particularly about Dewey’s pragmatism, Dewey’s views on pragmatism ontologically and epistemologically. Then discuss the effects of using both pragmatism and Design-Based Research (a research methodology) on a research study and the researcher decisions in conducting research.
