Research Design to Make a Theoretical Contribution to the Importance of Understanding Research Paradigms / 医学教育

ABSTRACT

Employing a theoretical framework and making a theoretical contribution are recognized internationally as important elements in medical education research. The focus of this paper is on a fundamental stage of research design, such as identifying the research paradigm relevant to the researcher’s study philosophical assumptions, including ontology, epistemology and methodology. Paying attention to basic elements of research process (i.e., philosophical assumption ― research paradigm/theoretical perspective ― methodology ― methods), researchers can ensure consistency in research design and make not only practical but also theoretical contributions to existing knowledge.