The use of paradigms in information research

Abstract

Studies of human behavior usually require the adoption of a research paradigm with the objective of improving the credibility and generalisability of the study. Applying research paradigms in information research is noted to vary from one researcher to another based on the investigator's choice as well as the character of the issue under investigation. The differences in the application of research paradigms in information research do not rely on philosophical assumptions alone, but also on the practical consequences of the inquiry and the interpretation of the findings. The four most broadly applied paradigms in research - pragmatism, interpretivism, positivism, and post-positivism and how the adoption of these paradigms fit into information research was examined. Findings indicate that application of research paradigms in information research is beneficial. However, information researchers are advised to be cautious of the weaknesses of the paradigm they would adopt for a study.