Towards a New Concept of Research

Abstract

Human beings are characterized for their ability to admire and be curious, for their capacity of searching and opening up to knowledge, all of which justify the practice of research. In research, human beings approach different areas of reality through the use of various strategies called methods. A diversity of methods is justified by the many areas of interest and the researcher's worldview, which has generated endless debates regarding methodology. This article shows how a change in people's philosophical viewpoints affects the researcher's methodological preferences. Taking into account the change from the mechanistic worldview of modernism to the systemic–organic–chaotic mind-frame of postmodernism, this debate continues to grow and requires a reconsideration of the concept of scientific research.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

TEVNI E. GRAJALES

Tevni E. Grajales is Professor of Statistics and Research Methodology in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI.

SYLVIA GONZALEZ

Sylvia Gonzalez is Associate Professor of Educational Administration in the Department of Leadership and Educational Administration at Andrews University.