postpositivisesti

Postpositivism is a philosophical stance that emerged as a critique and modification of logical positivism. While it shares positivism's commitment to empirical observation and scientific inquiry, it rejects the strong certainty and absolute objectivity that characterized earlier positivist thought. Postpositivists acknowledge that complete objectivity is unattainable and that human values, biases, and theories can influence the research process. They believe that knowledge is not discovered in a vacuum but is constructed through a process of hypothesis testing, falsification, and ongoing refinement.

Key tenets of postpositivism include the idea that reality exists independently of our perception of it, but our understanding of that reality is always provisional and subject to revision. Researchers strive for objectivity, but recognize that their interpretations are influenced by their background and theoretical frameworks. The scientific method is still central, but it is understood as a process of attempting to disprove hypotheses rather than definitively prove them. Postpositivists emphasize the importance of rigorous methodology, transparency in research, and the use of quantitative and qualitative methods to gather evidence. They aim to build reliable knowledge, but accept that this knowledge is always fallible and open to challenge.