Meta-Theories in Research: Positivism, Postmodernism, and Critical Realism

72 Pages Posted: 24 Apr 2010 Last revised: 14 Dec 2010

See all articles by Filipe Sousa

Filipe Sousa

Universidade da Madeira - Gestao e Economica

Date Written: February 1, 2010

Abstract

No scholar or researcher is able to provide robust evidences that counter the scant reflection on meta-theory - mostly ontology and epistemology - underlying management studies in general, and industrial marketing and purchasing research in particular. This paper is a contribution to the indispensable discussion of meta-theoretical alternatives in research and, most importantly, the strengths and shortcomings thereof, and respective implications on research questions, objectives, and findings.

Keywords: meta-theory, research, positivism, postmodernism, critical realism, ontology, epistemology, methodology, aetiology

JEL Classification: B41, B49

Suggested Citation

Sousa, Filipe, Meta-Theories in Research: Positivism, Postmodernism, and Critical Realism (February 1, 2010). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1594098 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1594098

Filipe Sousa (Contact Author)

Universidade da Madeira - Gestao e Economica ( email )

Campus da Penteada
Funchal, Madeira 9000-390
Portugal
+351291705051 (Phone)
+351291705040 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://bit.ly/fjmsousa/

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