Orientations and fragilities of research paradigms for intercultural investigation
Manuele De Conti
In pedagogy, intercultural investigation is conducted using different research paradigms, each with its own assumptions and methodologies. For example, positivism has different values, objectives, and methods than constructivism, which has different values, objectives, and methods than hermeneutics and relativism. The study of research paradigms is of paramount importance for general pedagogy because monitoring assumptions in the instructional and educational sciences is one of its responsibility. The current study will outline the «paradigm» concept using a philosophical style, consider contemporary reflections about this term, and identify the specificities of some research paradigms and their relationships to intercultural investigation. In particular, the epistemic limits of the intercultural investigations of positivism, constructivism, hermeneutics, and relativism will be highlighted through a review of the criticisms that are more commonly advanced to them.
Keywords
Research paradigms, intercultural investigation, positivism, relativism.