Comparing positivist (or objectivist) and naturalist (or interpretivist) approaches to research:
Positivist
Naturalist
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The purpose of research is to discover the truth.
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Realities are multiple, constructed, and holistic. The purpose
is to understand meaning from the perspectives of the
participants.

Knower and known (or observer and observed) must remain
separate to limit observer bias.
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Knower and known are interactive, inseparable.
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Emphasis on control of extraneous variables.
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Researcher’s ability to control extraneous variables is
rejected, instead, they must be described and their possible
influence accounted.

Context is de-emphasized and variations between contexts
“controlled” for to the greatest extent possible.

Description and exploration of the context of the research is
critical.

Research participant are “objectified” -- frequently referred to
as research subjects.

Participants are seen as involved in the research. They are
often asked for their taken on the interpretation of the results.

Data is often quantified, even if it is descriptive (i.e.
interviews).

Data is often non-numeric. The focus is on rich description
of the event(s) and context.

Focus on generalization of research findings

Focus on unique aspects of the context, generalization is
downplayed.
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