Research design and research paradigms should be led by research questions: a mixed method approach.

Abstract

This paper will motivate the stance that research should be situated within a particular paradigm of thinking to avoid such an inquiry to remain on a non-academic technical level. It is, however, argued that although researchers should be familiar with arguments originating from the various paradigmatic stances, that paradigms and philosophies should not lead the initial enquiry but should rather inform results obtained. Plainly stated, research should not be steered by a chosen paradigm. Plowright (2011) successfully argues that the implementation of a paradigm should only come into play with the interpretation of results and should not steer the direction that the research might take. A paradigm should rather be employed to explain, to act as a lens for understanding, to consolidate and synthesise the results that a certain methodology produced.