Lecture #2 Paradigms Of Knowing

Front 1

Positivist Paradigm

Back 1

-knowing only by observation
-O: realist
-E: objective
-A: value free

Front 2

Positivist Theory

Back 2

-Independent(x) and Dependent(y) Variables
-3 criteria for causality
1)x must proceed y in time (X has to come first)
2) X and Y must be logically associated
3) All the other variables (z variables) must be controlled

Front 3

Systems Paradigm

Back 3

-communication is a system comprised of interrelated thoughts that act as a whole
-Interdependence: if you change one part of the system, it will change the other parts of the system
-within a system there are various parts of a system that function to regulate a state of balance
-O: there is a tangible world. Realist.
-E: take a fairly objective POV, however some will be subjective
-A: relatively value-free

Front 4

Interpretive Paradigm

Back 4

Interpretivism: understanding and interpretation of the social world is derived from one's personal intuition and perspective
-The study of Rules
O-Nominalist (preferences individual cognition)
E-subjective (we can only understand reality from the person living in it, knowledge is created in individual consciousness)
A-value-laden, cultures are biased in this research

Front 5

Critical Paradigm

Back 5

-examine discourse to challenge unjust communication practices, in order to create social change
-O: Nominalist
-E: Subjective
-A: extremely value-laden

Front 6

Ontology

Back 6

-THe study of nature of reality. How do we know what we know?
-Realist: the world exists and is tangible
-Nominalists: without individual cognition, the social world is arbitrary. We need individual cognition to give our world meaning.
-Social Constructionist: our reality is constructed through societal and interpersonal communication

Front 7

Epistemology

Back 7

-The study of knowledge. What can we know?
-objective/subjective

Front 8

Axiology

Back 8

-The study of values
-value laden/value free