Terminologies used in Qualitative Research Design: 5. Logical Positivism✍

5. Logical Positivism✍

Logical positivism, also known as logical empiricism, is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and scientific methods in understanding the world. Empirical evidence refers to information or data that is gathered through observation, experimentation, or direct sensory experience. 

This evidence is based on real-world observations or experiences that can be observed, measured, and analyzed. Empirical evidence forms the foundation for scientific investigation and supports or refutes hypotheses or theories. 

Examples of empirical evidence include:✍

Scientific experiments: Data collected from controlled experiments in biology, chemistry, physics, etc.

Observational studies: Data obtained from observing natural phenomena, behaviors, or events.

Measurements: Quantitative data obtained through measurements using instruments or tools.

Surveys and questionnaires: Data collected through responses to structured questions in social sciences or psychology.

Empirical evidence plays a crucial role in forming conclusions, supporting claims, or disproving hypotheses in various fields of study. It provides a basis for scientific inquiry by relying on tangible, observable, and testable data to advance our understanding of the world.

In qualitative research, this perspective influences how researchers view knowledge and the ways they gather and interpret data. Logical positivism suggests that knowledge about the world should be based on observable facts and evidence.

It emphasizes the scientific method, which involves systematic observation, experimentation, and logical reasoning to understand phenomena. This approach believes that statements or claims should be based on empirical evidence and should be verifiable through observation or experience.

Example:✍

Let's consider a qualitative research study aiming to explore students' academic performance to their study habits. A researcher with a logical positivist viewpoint might approach this study by:

Data Collection: The researcher might gather data through quantitative means, like surveys or standardized tests, to collect measurable information about students' study habits, grades, time spent studying, etc. This empirical data can be quantified and analyzed statistically.

Objective Analysis: Using statistical methods, the researcher could analyze the collected data to identify correlations between study habits and academic performance. For instance, they might observe that students who spend more time studying tend to have higher grades.

Generalization: Based on the findings, the researcher might generalize that a strong correlation exists between study time and academic success among the surveyed students.

However, in qualitative research, the strict principles of logical positivism—emphasizing quantifiable data and strict empirical observations—might not always align perfectly. 

Qualitative research often focuses on subjective experiences, meanings, and contexts, which might not be easily quantified or objectively measured.

Therefore, while logical positivism provides a valuable framework for understanding the world through empirical evidence, in qualitative research, there's often a need to combine such empirical observations with other interpretive approaches that consider subjective experiences and meanings to gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex phenomena.

Many findings are derived logically or empirically through the research.  The findings,  obtained through causal-comparative,  correlational, and experimental research Are generalized on a population and can be verified also by conducting the same kind of research in the same way.  

If the finding of the research can be verified or confirmed Then it is called meaningful or else it is called meaningless According to the theory of logical positivism.

Thank you for reading.👀

Professor (Dr.) P. M. Mxlek 

 *** Next Definitions and Meaning of Qualitative Research✍