DISCUSSION: RESEARCH PARADIGM 1
DISCUSSION THREAD: RESEARCH PARADIGM
James “Jim” Pressley
School of Business, Liberty University
Self-Reflection:
After taking the quiz, I researched the premise of this tendency quiz. I found that
it shows a tendency towards altruism on the left side and is egocentric on the right.
According to the grading scale provided, 27 + is a mixture and has “Room for growth”. I
scored a 28 on the Tendencies Quiz, which means I am right-sided 2/3 of the time. This
suggests that I often focus on my own personal perspective, needs, opinions, and
viewpoints. This can lead to my research being skewed towards my own personal beliefs
versus data that might not align with my post-positivist Christian worldviews.
DISCUSSION: RESEARCH PARADIGM 2
In the natural setting experiment by Parrett (2023), researchers study gender
differences in altruism (generosity) regarding tipping practices at restaurants. Data were
collected from 495 tipping transactions at five restaurants in Richmond, Virginia (2002–
2003). When in a natural setting, two findings emerge. First, females tip more when
altruism is cheaper (Bill Size < $16.25) and males tip more when altruism is costlier (Bill
Size > $16.25). When observed in a sterile laboratory setting, men were only more
generous when it was less costly. Researchers theorize that men are more generous only
when it is conspicuous (visible and costly) as a way to signal status.
Research Paradigm:
As a Christian with egocentric tendencies, my axiological assumption will be that
science and data can explain most aspects. Still, I acknowledge that they have their
inherent limits and research bias. The post-positivist research paradigm aligns with the
Christian viewpoint that we seek to discover the truth. Creswell et al. (2018) suggest that
qualitative research is conducted with the understanding that some aspects may rely on
faith or the narrative experiences of the participant. In a qualitative study by Natonis et
al. (2023), researchers examine how Christian Religious Education (CRE) values support
student development through biblically rooted, human-centered teaching practices. CRE
is founded on the understanding of Maslow’s hierarchy of student needs. For CRE to be
effective, Teachers must act as role models, demonstrating Christian values such as
compassion, patience, and love. Jesus is known as a great teacher, whose humanist
values and methods serve as a blueprint for CRE.
According to Mittwede (2012), human fallibility is central to post-positivism.
Critical realism is the idea that while reality exists independently, intellectual virtue
recognizes our imperfections and the limits of our understanding. As we conduct our
research, we must respect other paradigms and be mindful not to impose our paradigm
on others. Mittwede (2012) tells us that theology is best conducted in community,
DISCUSSION: RESEARCH PARADIGM 3
through dialogue that respects context, presuppositions, and the provisional nature of
knowledge. That we should explore blended paradigm approaches to yield more
biblically faithful insights.
Biblical Worldview:
When selecting research, we must base it on scripture as the foundation of truth.
One example is the term social justice. We know that only God can define what is lawful,
not society. Social justice swings like a pendulum because a society of sinners
determines what is just. If your research includes “Social Justice,” make sure you do so
with reverence to scriptures and heed the warning in Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no
one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on
human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
One of the first readings we are assigned at Liberty University is “Writing Well: A
Biblical Basis”, which reminds us that God used written communication for its
permanence. We must study the Bible constantly so that we can apply scripture in a
secular world. Revelation 1:19 tells us to “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is
now and what will take place later”.
The first scripture verse I use as a foundation for research standards is Colossians
2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,
which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world
rather than on Christ.”
In the Christian Bible, the book of Isaiah was written to the people of Judah, a
rebellious nation at the time. The teaching of Christ has commanded us to love our
neighbor. One example I use as a foundation for research standards in the scriptures is
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and
please the widow’s cause” (Isaiah 1:17).
DISCUSSION: RESEARCH PARADIGM 4
The final scripture verse I use as a foundation for research standards is known as
the Great Commission. Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 and
teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you
always, to the very end of the age.”
References
Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2018). Qualitative inquiry & research design: Choosing among five
approaches. SAGE.
Mittwede, S. K. (2012). Research paradigms and their use and importance in theological inquiry
and education. Journal of Education & Christian Belief, 16(1), 23–
40. https://doi.org/10.1177/205699711201600104
Natonis, H. Y., Leobisa, J., Sitopu, R., Udju, A. A. H., & Banamtuan, M. F. (2023). An analysis
of patterns and values of humanist Christian religious education. Pharos Journal of
Theology, 104(1)https://doi.org/10.46222/pharosjot.1048
Parrett, M. (2023). Gender differences in altruism and the price of altruism: Evidence from
restaurant tips. Applied Economics Letters, 30(8), 1097–
1100. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504851.2022.2036678
Research process guide . https://libguides.kean.edu/c.php?g=1252755&p=9181557. Retrieved
6/25/2025, from https://libguides.kean.edu/ResearchProcessGuide
