The Great Divide
Positivism
- Reality is objective and measurable.
- Dominated by quantitative research.
- Seeks universal laws & predictions.
Example: A survey measuring exam scores to statistically test a stress hypothesis.
Interpretivism
- Reality is socially constructed & subjective.
- Dominated by qualitative research.
- Seeks deep understanding of meanings.
Example: In-depth interviews exploring the personal experience of exam anxiety.
Philosophical
Dimensions
POSITIVIST VIEW
INTERPRETIVIST VIEW
Reality
Ontology
One single objective reality exists.
Multiple realities shaped by culture & experience.
Knowledge
Epistemology
Discovered through detached measurement.
Co-created through dialogue & interpretation.
Methodological Toolkit
Positivist Tools
Surveys, experiments, statistical analysis.
Interpretivist Tools
Open interviews, observations, narratives.
Why This Matters to You
01. Questions
Design
Determines if you ask exploratory "How/Why" questions or confirmatory "To what extent" questions.
02. Methods
Execution
Dictates whether you collect rich narratives or precise numerical data.
03. Insights
Interpretation
Guides whether you aim for generalizable laws or deep, context-specific insight.
Interactive Reflection
Where do you stand?
Use the slider below to explore the spectrum between the two paradigms.
Pure Positivist
Pure Interpretivist
Mixed Methods / Pragmatist
"I see value in both numbers and narratives depending on the question."