Week 1 Day 2

Impact of Paradigms on Research

DIE 4564 Research Methods

“Pair of Dimes”? …Paradigms!

• Paradigms – a model or frame of reference through which to observe and understand.

• Paradigms are neither “true” nor “false”

Science Paradigms

• Theories seek to provide logical explanations.

1. Theories prevent our being taken in by flukes.

2. Theories makes sense of observed patterns.

3. Theories shape and direct research efforts.

Discussion points

• What paradigm shifts have you experienced during your BSDN coursework?

• In what way do you think paradigms influence scientific inquiry?

Some Social Science Paradigms

• Macrotheory – a theory aimed at understanding the “big picture” of institutions, whole societies, and the interactions among societies. Examples: class struggles, international

relations, and interrelations between social institutions

And in dietetics?...

Some Social Science Paradigms

• Microtheory – a theory aimed at understanding social life at the intimate level of individuals and their interactions.

Examples: dating behavior, jury deliberations, student-faculty interactions

Some Social Science Paradigms

• Mesotheory – referencing an intermediate level between macro and micro.

Examples: studying organizations, communities, and social categories

Paradigms Shifts in Dietetic Practice

• Dispensing of diets and information• Behavior modification• Client-centered counseling• Trans-theoretical Model of Change• Motivational Interviewing

Health Belief Model

People’s beliefs influence their health-related behaviors• Perceived susceptibility• Perceived severity• Perceived benefits• Perceived barriers• Perceived self-efficacy

Trans-theoretical Model / Stages of Change

People’s behaviors are determined by readiness to take action. • Precontemplation• Contemplation• Preparation• Action• Maintenance

Theory of Planned Behavior

Behaviors are determined by their intensions to engage in that behavior.• Attitudes• Outcome expectation• Subjective norm• Perceived behavior control (internal and

external)

Social Cognitive Theory (Social Learning Theory)

Reciprocal Determinism:

Behavior change is the result of a dynamic interaction of personal, behavioral, and environmental factors.

• Outcome expectations

• Self-regulation• Behavioral capacity• Expectations• Self-efficacy• Observational

Learning• Reinforcement• Facilitation

DiscussionWhat current trends might create paradigm shifts in dietetics practice?

Paradigm

1.A typical example or pattern of something; a model.2.A worldview underlying the theories and methodology of a particular scientific subject.

Example of both a lit review and a paradigm shift