Journal of Advances in Developmental Research

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An Exploration of Research Paradigms and Their Influence on Methodological Choices in Social Science Research: Evidence from Ghana

Author(s) FRED ALPHA ADAMS
Country Ghana
Abstract Research paradigms constitute the philosophical foundation upon which social science research is built, shaping methodological decisions, data collection strategies, and interpretation of findings. This study explores the dominant research paradigms, which are positivism, interpretivism, critical theory, and pragmatism, and examines their influence on methodological choices, with empirical insights drawn from Ghanaian academic research. Adopting a qualitative research design complemented by a descriptive empirical component, the study utilizes systematic literature review and document analysis of postgraduate theses and published articles from selected Ghanaian universities. A relational content analysis approach was employed to identify paradigm-method alignments and emerging trends. Findings indicate a strong dominance of interpretivist and pragmatic paradigms in Ghanaian social science research, with increasing adoption of mixed methods approaches. However, inconsistencies in paradigm articulation and methodological alignment persist. The study concludes that a deeper understanding of research paradigms enhances methodological rigor and recommends strengthened training in research philosophy across higher education institutions.
Keywords Research paradigms, methodology, positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism, Ghana, social science research, epistemology, ontology
Field Sociology > Education
Published In Volume 17, Issue 1, January-June 2026
Published On 2026-04-23
Cite This An Exploration of Research Paradigms and Their Influence on Methodological Choices in Social Science Research: Evidence from Ghana - FRED ALPHA ADAMS - IJAIDR Volume 17, Issue 1, January-June 2026. DOI 10.71097/IJAIDR.v17.i1.1863
DOI https://doi.org/10.71097/IJAIDR.v17.i1.1863
Short DOI https://doi.org/hbx8pp
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