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Paradigms. Waving the Flag or Flagging the Wave?

Book Contribution - Chapter

In this contribution, we will explore to the role of philosophical underpinnings in criminological research by discussing the use of paradigms. In contrast to Thomas Kuhn, we do not think of paradigms as incompatible sets of fundamental world views nor monolithic and sturdy research frames. We define paradigms, following Guba's (1990) interpretation, as basic sets of beliefs and assumptions that guide the research process. We are convinced that research methods and criminological theories inevitably rest on philosophical presuppositions, but we notice that these often remain implicit in criminological research. Some researchers only pay lip service to paradigms in the 'methodological' section and fail to see their implications for the other phases of the research process. Others only think of the impact of a paradigm at the end of the research and retrospectively redefine the process to match the basic insights of their paradigm of choice. The wave of results is flagged within a particular paradigm. By discussing the value of theoretical research frameworks and how these guide our research actions, however, it will become clear that we argue for the explicit use of paradigms at the beginning at the research. On the one hand, as an aid for the involved researchers by giving them identity and directing them throughout the research process. On the other hand, as a guide for the readers by allowing them to assess the researchers' position and standards they use to define what good research and legitimate knowledge constitutes. We think that waving the flag of our research paradigm and be open and explicit about our underlying set of assumptions from the start enhances the systematicity and transparency of the research. The gains of the ultimate results outweigh the pains in the process of doing so.
Book: The Pains of Doing Criminological Research
Series: Criminologische Studies
Pages: 23-37
Number of pages: 15
ISBN:978-90-5718-263-1
Publication year:2013
Keywords:Paradigms, Criminological research
  • VABB Id: c:vabb:376878