Bryman & Bell: Business Research Methods 2e 
Multiple choice questions
Figures and plates from the textBryman & Bell: Business Research Methods 2e
Chapter 01
Paradigms and research methods
www.aom.pace.edu/rmd/1999_RMD_Forum_Paradigms_and_Research_Methods.htm
This short paper is a good introduction to three different philosophical paradigms within business research. It is written by Robert Gephart at the University of Alberta and includes information on positivism, interpretivism and critical theory/postmodernism. It also has a useful table which helps to summarise the differences between these competing paradigms.
Marxism
www.faculty.rsu.edu/%7Efelwell/Theorists/Marx/index.htm
Marxism is an example of a grand theory and this review, written by Frank Elwell of Rogers State University, summarizes the key elements of Marx's argument. It also includes a section on Marx 'In His Own Words' as well as links to other sites of interest to those using Marxist ideas in their research strategy.
Paradigm information
www.acad.mtroyal.ab.ca/adc_projects/acom3309/acom_paradescs.htm
The four-paradigm model introduced by Burrell and Morgan (1979) has been very influential in helping to widen the range of strategies that are adopted within business research. This summary of each of the four different paradigms is written by David Boje and includes links to other sites which show how each paradigm is used in practice.
Hypothetico-Deductive theory
www.sociology.org.uk/p1mp4n3c.htm
This page is part of the 'sociology central' web site maintained by Chris Livesey. It gives a brief overview of the hypothetico-deductive theory which is the basis for many deductive studies carried out within business research. Follow the link on the page for more detailed information.
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