The Two Approaches to Research: Next Step Research and Paradigm Shift Research

Table of Contents.

1. next step research
2. Key Features:
3. Examples:
4. Key Features:
5. References

There are two approaches to research

next step research

Next-step research also called incremental advancement research refers to studies that build on existing knowledge by addressing gaps, refining theories, or extending previous findings. It is incremental in nature and focuses on advancing understanding within an established framework or paradigm (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). This type of research ensures that knowledge evolves systematically, validating existing theories, correcting errors, and exploring new dimensions of well-studied phenomena (Bryman, 2012).

Key Features:

Purpose: To extend, refine, or validate existing theories or findings.

Approach: Often follows established methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods).

Focus: Addresses specific gaps, limitations, or unanswered questions in prior research.

Outcome: Contributes to the cumulative growth of knowledge in a field.

Examples:

Testing a new variable in an existing theoretical model (Trochim & Donnelly, 2008).

Replicating a study in a different context or population (Babbie, 2020).

Paradigm Shift Research

Paradigm shift research refers to studies that challenge and transform existing paradigms or frameworks. It introduces new ways of thinking, often leading to revolutionary changes in a field. This concept is rooted in Thomas Kuhn’s idea of scientific revolutions, where anomalies in existing paradigms lead to the adoption of new frameworks (Kuhn, 1962). Paradigm shift research is critical for driving scientific and intellectual progress by addressing the limitations of existing frameworks and opening up new avenues for exploration (Kuhn, 1962).

Key Features:

Purpose: To challenge and replace outdated or inadequate paradigms.

Approach: Often involves innovative methodologies, interdisciplinary perspectives, or radical rethinking of assumptions.

Focus: Questions the foundational principles of a field and proposes alternative frameworks.

Outcome: Leads to a fundamental transformation in how a phenomenon is understood.

Examples:

The shift from Newtonian physics to Einstein’s theory of relativity (Kuhn, 1962).

The transition from behaviorism to cognitive psychology in the study of human behavior (Gardner, 1985).

Comparison: Next-Step Research vs. Paradigm Shift Research

AspectNext-Step ResearchParadigm Shift ResearchPurposeExtends or refines existing knowledgeChallenges and transforms paradigmsNatureIncrementalRevolutionaryApproachFollows established methodologiesOften involves innovative methodsFocusAddresses gaps or limitationsQuestions foundational principlesOutcomeCumulative growth of knowledgeFundamental transformation of a field

References

Babbie, E. (2020). The Practice of Social Research (15th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Bryman, A. (2012). Social Research Methods (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed.). Sage Publications.

Gardner, H. (1985). The Mind’s New Science: A History of the Cognitive Revolution. Basic Books.

Kuhn, T. S. (1962). The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press.

Trochim, W. M. K., & Donnelly, J. P. (2008). The Research Methods Knowledge Base (3rd ed.). Cengage Learning.

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