Research Proposal: Identifying Factors Contributing to Gender-Based Violence on Campus
Research Paradigm
The research paradigm that will be most relevant for this study is Ontology.
Ontology deals with the nature of reality and what can be known about it. In the context of this research proposal, understanding the nature of gender-based violence (GBV) on campus requires exploring the various realities experienced by individuals affected by GBV. It focuses on the different ways in which participants may interpret their experiences and the social constructs surrounding gender and violence.
Justification
Gender-based violence is influenced by multiple social, cultural, and institutional factors, which can vary significantly among different individuals and communities. This calls for an ontological exploration to grasp the complex realities that contribute to GBV on campuses. The study will need to examine the lived experiences of those affected, the perceptions of bystanders, and the implications of institutional policies. Thus, an ontological perspective supports a nuanced understanding of these constructs, allowing a deeper insight into how gender dynamics and power relations shape the occurrence of violence.
According to Guba and Lincoln (1994), ontological assumptions pertain to the nature of reality and imply a subjective understanding of the world, which aligns with qualitative research approaches focusing on personal narratives and social constructs. They note that "the ontological assumptions of a constructivist paradigm speak to the existence of multiple realities" (Guba & Lincoln, 1994).
References
Guba, E.G. & Lincoln, Y.S. (1994) ‘Competing paradigms in qualitative research’, in N.K. Denzin and Y.S. Lincoln (eds.) Handbook of Qualitative Research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, pp. 105-117.
This reference is cited in the Harvard style, adhering to the specifics required for your proposal. In this context, focusing on ontology allows for a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted realities surrounding gender-based violence in a campus setting.