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Communication Research Paradigms

Explore the Positivist, Systems, Interpretive, and Critical paradigms in social science communication research. Discover their assumptions and approaches, from objective reality to critical reflection.

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Communication Research Paradigms

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  1. Paradigms of Knowing in Communication Research

  2. Paradigms in social science provide a viewpoint or set of assumptions that frame the research process.

  3. The Positivist Paradigm • Based on the belief of an objective reality • Studies variables • Seeks to explain causal relationships between variables. • Seeks to generate laws that generalize communication behavior • Uses quantitative data

  4. The Systems Paradigm • Communication is a system • There are five characteristics of a system. • Interdependence of parts of system • Systems are organized wholes. • The “whole” is greater than the sum of its parts. • They are characterized by dynamic equilibrium. • Systems vary in their degree of openness • Seeks to explain functions of parts in relation to the whole. • Studies variables • Uses quantitative data

  5. The Interpretive Paradigm • Humans are capable of reflectivity and their action is purposive • Studies meaning through semantic relationships • Studies meaning through rules • Constructs theories of understanding • Local knowledge Theories • Heuristic frameworks • Uses qualitative data

  6. The Critical Paradigm • Reflection produces knowledge • Critical reflection enables the exposure of ideologies and power imbalances • Research should enable social change • Social science is subject to critical reflection

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