Constructivism Worldview

1. Name and briefly describe (2-3 sentences each) the four worldviews discussed in Chapter 1 of the Creswell text. Describe which one (or combination) most closely aligns with your own worldview and why. How does one’s cultural worldview impact the research process?
a. Postpositivist Worldview
i. This worldview has typically represented a more traditional style of research that is highly comparable to the scientific method. Assumptions within this worldview are more often true for quantitative research. In this approach, the researcher begins with a theory, collects data that either supports or refutes the theory, then makes the necessary adjustments and performs more tests to test the adjustments. This theory also acknowledges that researchers must recognize that they cannot be positive about their claims when studying the behavior and actions of humans.
b. Constructivist Worldview
i. The constructivist worldview is usually seen as a more qualitative approach to research. Researchers within this worldview pay a significant amount of attention to what the individual says, as well as the complexity behind what is said. The researchers usually perform this type of research by asking open-ended questions that seek to understand the contexts in which the individual lives and works.
ii. This

worldview aligned most closely with my worldview because I also believe that each individual has different and subjective experiences. Therefore, participants should be addressed in an autonomous fashion, instead of attempting to interpret what they say into narrowly based categories or ideas. I also believe that open-ended questions are a very helpful tool to obtain a better understanding of the participants and their views and understanding of the world.
c. Transformative Worldview
i. This worldview has numerous groups of researchers that have been identified as critical theorists, despite not having a autonomous body of literature to support it. The individuals within this worldview believe that famous scholars and activists, such as Carl Marx, did not advocate enough towards change that would have helped people in need. The proponents of this worldview also believe that it should be intertwined with politics and political change that seeks to confront social oppression. The research focuses on what certain marginalized groups need and what certain marginalized individuals need. To do so, this research contains an action agenda for reform.
d. Pragmatic Worldview
i. In this worldview, researchers focus less on research methods and more on the research problem. Specifically, they seek to solve the research problem by using all approaches available to understand it. These researchers are not bound by any specific constructs or philosophies, rather, they have freedom of choice over their chosen methods for the given situation.
e. How does one’s cultural worldview impact the research process
i.

One’s cultural worldview can impact the research process in numerous ways. For example, those conducting research should be cognizant of the culture they are researching. If one is conducting sports psychology research, then they should work within that culture and understand that most individuals who read the study identify with the sports psychology culture. The topic research being conducted should align with the audience who will be reading the research. In addition, researchers should also be cognizant of their cultural biases. If they are unaware of these biases, then it could eventually affect certain participants and therefore affect the

study.

ii. Therefore, it is important for researchers to first understand his or her personal cultural worldviews, such as personal biases towards certain cultures, and then understand the culture he or she plans to address in their research.