| 4.3 Research Philosophy
Research philosophy refers to the assumptions and beliefs that govern the way we view the world. According to Saunders, et al., (2000; 2007); Easterby-Smith, et al., (1991); Cooper & Schindler, (2006); Sullivan, (2001) and Malhotra and Birks, (2007) research can be influenced by positivism or phenomenological beliefs. Easterby-Smith, et al., (1991) elaborates the main elements and key features of the two philosophy alternatives:
Table 4.1 Research paradigms
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Positivist paradigm
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Phenomenological
Paradigm
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Basic beliefs
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The world is external and Objective
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The world is socially constructed and subjective
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Observer is independent
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Observer is part of what observed
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Science is value-free
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Science is driven by human interests
|
|
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