Abstract Studies of human behaviour usually require the adoption of a research paradigm with the objective of improving the credibility and generalisability of the study. Applying research paradigms in information research is noted to vary from one researcher to another based on the investigator's choice as well as the character of the issue under investigation. The differences in the application of research paradigms in information research do not rely on philosophical assumptions alone, but also on the practical consequences of the inquiry and the interpretation of the findings. The four most broadly applied paradigms in research - pragmatism, interpretivism, positivism, and post-positivism and how the adoption of these paradigms fit into information research was examined. Findings indicate that application of research paradigms in information research is beneficial. However, information researchers are advised to be cautious of the weaknesses of the paradigm they would adopt for a study.

中文翻译：

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范式在信息研究中的应用

摘要 人类行为研究通常需要采用研究范式，目的是提高研究的可信度和普遍性。注意到在信息研究中应用研究范式因研究人员的选择以及所调查问题的特征而异。研究范式在信息研究中的应用差异不仅仅依赖于哲学假设，还依赖于探究的实际结果和对发现的解释。研究中应用最广泛的四种范式——实用主义、解释主义、实证主义和后实证主义，以及这些范式的采用如何适合信息研究。研究结果表明，研究范式在信息研究中的应用是有益的。但是，建议信息研究人员对他们在研究中采用的范式的弱点保持谨慎。