Positivism and Post Positivism Notes for UGC NET Psychology Exam

Positivism and post-positivism are two major philosophical approaches to knowledge acquisition, mainly in social science inquiries. In positivism, claims suggest that knowledge should be acquired on the basis of observable phenomena and empirical evidence for a scientific approach, owing importance to objectivity and measurable data. On the other hand, post-positivism recognizes the phenomenon of complexities in knowledge acquisition and, generally speaking, explains how, even though there is indeed an objective reality, our interpretations of it are so heavily influenced by context, bias, and subjectivity. This transition from positivism to post-positivism is overall an awareness of the necessity for both empirical and nonempirical approaches that acknowledge a limitation. Collectively, these two paradigms provide a multidimensional understanding of knowledge production, thereby also bridging objective analysis with nuanced human experience.

Positivism and Post Positivism is a vital topic to be studied for the psychology related exam such as the UGC NET Psychology.

In this article the readers will be able to know about the following:

• What is Positivism and Post Positivism
• Difference Between Positivism and Post Positivism

What is Positivism and Post Positivism?

Positivism and post-positivism are epistemological traditions guiding how researchers and knowledge seekers propose their methods and assumptions. In the case of positivism, something is only seen as true if it occurs naturally, has empirical evidence, and requires objective observation. Conversely, post-positivism says that truth and reality are constructed through a mix of actualities and contextual forces.

Positivism

A philosophical doctrine which claims knowledge should be founded on observable and measurable phenomena, depending centrally on the scientific method. In short, the positivist theory claims that careful observation and experimental procedures will reveal universal laws as well as truths. Metaphysical and subjective interpretations are usually expressed and therefore held unreliable.

Post-Positivism

Thus, post-positivism comes up as the response, based on the shortcomings of the positivist approach: objective reality certainly exists, but our interpretation of it is socially, culturally, and contextually mediated. It thus has the tendency for looser methodology, qualitative research, and consideration of critical reflection and multiple perspectives in achieving knowledge.

Difference Between Positivism and Post Positivism

Positivism and post-positivism present two somewhat contrasting views concerning a study of knowledge and reality, particularly when applied to the social sciences. Positivism largely relies on objective data and empirical evidence, whereas post-positivism includes recognition of a context, subjectivity, and limits to our knowledge.

Conclusion

In this respect, both positivism and post-positivism provide two very facilitative stances of knowing and understanding the world. While positivism provides the basic structure for scientific research with high strict methodologies, post-positivism enriches this base by embracing fallibility in knowledge and complexities of human experience. It thus gives the impression that researchers should adopt multiple methodologies combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches for better comprehension. This dialectic interaction between the three continues to highlight the more dynamic nature of knowledge, and further exploration and critical reflection is invited. Positivism and post-positivism, thus, play complementary roles both for practices of research and for pushing the boundaries of our understanding of social realities.

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