Abstract:
It is crucial that any research inquiry be guided by a paradigm. However, many early career researchers do not
mention the research paradigm guiding their inquiry. Furthermore, qualitative and quantitative methods are
sometimes erroneously referred to as research paradigms or research designs. Experienced researchers often
use the terms research paradigm, research methods and research design in a loose and confusing manner.
Although it is reasonable to assume that experienced researchers do understand the distinction and
relationship between the three concepts, the loose use of the concepts leads to confusion among early career
researchers, especially Master’s and PhD students. By using a literature review, this paper provides an expose
of the relationship between these three concepts and highlights the sources of confusion from the literature. A
qualitative approach, using a sample of 11 students from different South African universities, is used to
provide an understanding of these concepts by early career researchers. The findings show that there is
confusion in the understanding of these concepts. The study raises questions about what could be the possible
sources of the confusion, besides the literature, and how the confusion could be addressed.
