What does the term "paradigm" refer to in the context of research?

In the context of research, the term "paradigm" refers to the philosophical beliefs that guide researchers in their approach to understanding and investigating phenomena. These beliefs shape the way researchers formulate questions, select methods, interpret data, and draw conclusions. A paradigm encompasses the underlying assumptions about what constitutes knowledge and how it can be acquired, encompassing perspectives such as positivism, interpretivism, and critical theory, among others.

This understanding is essential because it influences the entire research process, from the design to the analysis and the implications of the findings. By identifying the paradigm, researchers clarify their stance on the nature of reality and knowledge, which directly impacts the validity and applicability of their research outcomes.