Research Proposal: Identifying Factors Contributing to Gender-Based Violence on Campus
Research Paradigm
For this research proposal, a constructivist paradigm will be adopted. The constructivist paradigm is based on the understanding that knowledge is constructed rather than discovered. It posits that social realities are subjective and shaped by individuals' experiences and interactions. In the context of gender-based violence (GBV) on campus, this paradigm allows for an exploration of how cultural, social, and personal factors contribute to the phenomenon.
Constructivism emphasizes the importance of context and considers multiple perspectives, making it suitable for understanding the complexities of gender-based violence, which is influenced by various societal norms, power dynamics, and individual experiences.
In this study, qualitative methods such as interviews and focus groups may be employed to gather in-depth insights from students, faculty, and support staff, thus allowing participants to express their personal experiences and perceptions regarding gender-based violence on campus.
References
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Crotty, M. (1998). The Foundations of Social Research: Meaning and Perspective in the Research Process. St Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin.
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Denzin, N.K. & Lincoln, Y.S. (2011). The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
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Guba, E.G. & Lincoln, Y.S. (1994). Competing Paradigms in Qualitative Research. In: Denzin, N.K. & Lincoln, Y.S. (eds.) Handbook of Qualitative Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, pp. 105-117.
Using the constructivist paradigm will enable a nuanced exploration of the factors contributing to gender-based violence on campus, facilitating a deeper understanding of the issue as perceived by those within the campus community.