أفكار وآفاق
Volume 14, Numéro 1, Pages 53-75
2026-06-02
Towards Conceptual Clarity In Research Paradigms: A Theoretical Exploration For Doctoral Research
Authors : Temimi Abir . Sari Ahmed-bouchama Fiziya .
Abstract
Research paradigms constitute a foundational dimension of inquiry because they shape the philosophical assumptions that guide research design, methodological orientation, and the interpretation of findings. Yet, despite their importance, they are not always presented in the methodological literature in a sufficiently coherent and accessible way, which may create conceptual difficulty for doctoral and novice researchers. This paper aims to critically explore research paradigms in research by examining major conceptual tensions in the literature and clarifying the relationships among their core components. To this end, the paper adopts a theoretical and critical review approach based on the analysis and synthesis of key methodological discussions on research paradigms. The paper identifies three main tensions: conceptual ambiguity in the definition and positioning of paradigm, uneven conceptualization of paradigmatic structure, and blurred boundaries between paradigm, methodology, and methods. In response to these tensions, the paper proposes an integrated framework for paradigmatic alignment that rearticulates the relationship among axiology, ontology, epistemology, methodology, and methods in a more coherent way. The paper contributes to methodological discussion by moving beyond descriptive overviews of paradigms toward a conceptually clearer account that may support deeper understanding of paradigmatic positioning in doctoral research.
Keywords
Research paradigms ; Doctoral research ; paradigmatic alignment ; Ontology ; Epistemology ; Axiology ; Methodology ; Novice researcher
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