Becoming interdisciplinary: research paradigms and terminology (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences)

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Across all AHSS disciplines (and within) there are varying views of what research is. Following the work of Thomas Kuhn, these views form what are commonly referred to as ‘research paradigms’, entailing a variety of epistemological (study of knowledge) and ontological (study of being) assumptions that ultimately underpin and guide how we carry out research (method).

Though not a definitive means by which to conceptualize meta-research, this course offers the ‘research paradigm’ as a heuristic and expedient entry point into key terms and concepts often encountered by research students and the tactic assumptions underpinning them. This can and often does result in an ability to understand the significance of one’s own research, the research of others and the broader intellectual context in which both are situated.

PhD Students in Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Further details regarding eligibility criteria are available here.

The course is especially useful for those who feel less comfortable with the ‘common terminology’ (such as ‘ontology’, ‘epistemology’ etc.) and are perhaps apprehensive of asking colleagues and/or supervisors

Number of sessions: 1

• Be provided with an accessible and stimulating introduction to the notion of a research paradigm and the various established paradigms in use (e.g. ‘positivism’, ‘constructivism’, ‘pragmatism’)
• Reflect on research assumptions and presuppositions
• Familiarity with and/or refresh on essential terminology, e.g. ‘ontology’, ‘epistemology’) and its relation to research methods.
• Form the basis for translating ideas and research into terms comprehensible to researchers in other disciplines
• Be given the foundation to identify and successfully navigate between different paradigms in use, be they tacit or overt

Lecture-based course with some group activities and participation.

One 3.5 hour session

This course is scheduled to run once per term