Positivist and interpretivist paradigms – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C and D accurately distinguish between positivist and interpretivist paradigms. Positivism stresses objective measurement and is often linked with experiments and surveys, while interpretivism focuses on meanings and experiences using methods like observation and interviews. Statement E is false because interpretivism rejects the notion of a single fixed reality independent of the researcher; it emphasises multiple, constructed realities. Therefore, the correct combination includes A, B, C and D and excludes E.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete because it omits D, thereby failing to mention the qualitative methods commonly used in interpretivist research. Without D, the methodological side of interpretivism is underrepresented.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it adds E, which contradicts interpretivist assumptions about multiple realities and researcher involvement. Including E mischaracterises interpretivism as having a strictly objectivist stance.

Option C:
Option C is wrong because it includes only B, C and D, omitting A and thus not stating clearly that positivism emphasises objective measurement and quantification. This weakens the contrast between the two paradigms.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it compiles all statements that properly describe the two paradigms and leaves out E, which misstates interpretivist ontology. It reflects both the epistemological and methodological distinctions between positivist and interpretivist approaches.