Abstract
Although
quantitative research methodology is widely applied by educational
and psychological researchers, there is a common misconception that
quantitative research is based upon logical positivism. This article
examines the relationship between quantitative research and eight
major notions of logical positivism: (a) verification, (b)
pro-observation, (c) anti-cause, (d) downplaying explanation, (e)
anti-theoretical entities, (f) anti-metaphysics, (g) logical
analysis and (h) frequentist probability. It is argued that the
underlying philosophy of modern quantitative research in psychology
is in sharp contrast to logical positivism. Associating an outdated
philosophy with quantitative research may discourage social
science researchers
from applying this research approach, and also may lead to misguided
disputes between quantitative and qualitative researchers.
Researchers and students should be encouraged to keep an open mind
to different methodologies, while retaining skepticism to examine
the philosophical assumptions of various research methodologies
instead of unquestioningly accepting popular myths.
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