My theoritcal framework::
My research and general beliefs are centered on Positivism. This framework contained elements that I could identify with from my background. Whether it was chemistry or microbiology the theoretical thread that was woven through these disciplines was the observation of empirical data. After observing or manipulating a variable the findings could be determined. The answer to whatever question could be known utilizing the positivist perspective.
Some of the aims of positivism are to establish cause and effect relationships, generalization, and the ability to predict future events or behavior. Positivism is a perspective that is confident in science and scientific knowledge being accurate and testable (Crotty, 2003). Positivism seeks to explore and confirm and validate. It also holds that objects in the world have meaning prior to and independently of any consciousness of them. Behavior is objective and testable. (Crotty, 2003)
Possible methodologies include experimental research and survey research. Logically, the methods used for these methodologies are sampling, measurement and scaling, control, treatment, results, statistical analysis, and data reduction. In short, positivists work with empirical data to derive a result or conclusion. They believe in the scientific method. Significant positivists were Augste Comte, Otto Neurath, Hans Hahn, Philip Frank, and Moritz Schlick. Comte is considered the father of positivism (Crotty, 2003).
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