Based on the postpositivism/postmodernism paradigm, the best descriptions for the core elements are as follows:
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Ontology
c. Reality can only be known within a certain realm of probability and not with absolute certainty. -
Epistemology
b. Observation is influenced by the researcher’s hypothesis, background knowledge and espoused theories. -
Axiology
a. Knowledge derived from combining empirical observations with logical reasoning. -
Methodology
d. Purpose of research is to predict results, tests theories, relationships and cause-effect relations. Approach is quantitative and methods are experimental and correlational; use of data gathering instruments are important.