Paradigm Wars: Selecting a Philosophical Side when Considering a Research Design

ISBN-10
1526477009
ISBN-13
9781526477002
Series
Paradigm Wars
Category
Behavior modification
Language
English
Published
2019
Author
Amanda Wilding

Description

The purpose of this case study is not to wage into the battle of which philosophical paradigm is best when considering a research design but to evidence my personal battle of "selecting" which philosophical side to take. Paradigm wars have been discussed as holding a set of beliefs concerning how to research scientifically. Purists state the varying paradigms available have no fundamental commonality and therefore cannot be used in parallel, thus causing wars over which paradigm is best. These wars have been played out on the methodological battlefield since the 1960s and has led to the point of a modern-day standoff. This case study is based on my methodological journey and experiences within my PhD. To explore the current climate surrounding athletics coaches' attitudes and use of sport psychology, I utilized the theory of diffusion of innovations as a vehicle for understanding coaches' decision-making process to adopt, reject, or postpone their use of sport psychology. This case details the key decision points I faced within my research design, paradigm, and mixed-methods analysis, including the debates I undertook to ensure the methods and assumptions I selected aligned with the ultimate philosophical stance selected.

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