INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHANGES IN EDUCATION
Review
May 26, 2025 1 0

A Systematic Literature Review of Post-Positivism and Critical Realism as Epistemological Frameworks in Educational Research

Arthur William Fodouop Kouam 1 *
1 Saxo Fintech Business School, University of Sanya, China* Corresponding Author
International Journal of Changes in Education, 2(2), 2025, 115-122, https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52024338
Publication date: May 26, 2025
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ABSTRACT

This study conducts a systematic literature review to examine the potential of post-positivism and critical realism as epistemological frameworks for enhancing educational research. By employing a rigorous methodology that involves explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria, comprehensive data extraction, and thematic analysis, the study synthesizes existing literature to elucidate the theoretical foundations and methodological implications of these paradigms. The originality of this research lies in its focused exploration of how these frameworks can address the current limitations in educational inquiry, particularly regarding the need for a deeper understanding of causal mechanisms and contextual influences. The findings underscore the significance of clarifying epistemological assumptions, adopting methodological pluralism, and promoting reflexivity in educational research. Additionally, the study provides practical recommendations for researchers seeking to apply these frameworks in their work effectively. By bridging the existing knowledge gap, this research aims to inspire future investigations and foster deeper insights into the complexities of educational contexts.

KEYWORDS

causal mechanisms critical realism epistemology methodological pluralism post-positivism reflexivity research paradigms

CITATION (APA)

Kouam, A. W. F. (2025). A Systematic Literature Review of Post-Positivism and Critical Realism as Epistemological Frameworks in Educational Research. International Journal of Changes in Education, 2(2), 115-122. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52024338
Harvard
Kouam, A. W. F. (2025). A Systematic Literature Review of Post-Positivism and Critical Realism as Epistemological Frameworks in Educational Research. International Journal of Changes in Education, 2(2), pp. 115-122. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52024338
Vancouver
Kouam AWF. A Systematic Literature Review of Post-Positivism and Critical Realism as Epistemological Frameworks in Educational Research. International Journal of Changes in Education. 2025;2(2):115-22. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52024338
AMA
Kouam AWF. A Systematic Literature Review of Post-Positivism and Critical Realism as Epistemological Frameworks in Educational Research. International Journal of Changes in Education. 2025;2(2), 115-122. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52024338
Chicago
Kouam, Arthur William Fodouop. "A Systematic Literature Review of Post-Positivism and Critical Realism as Epistemological Frameworks in Educational Research". International Journal of Changes in Education 2025 2 no. 2 (2025): 115-122. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52024338
MLA
Kouam, Arthur William Fodouop "A Systematic Literature Review of Post-Positivism and Critical Realism as Epistemological Frameworks in Educational Research". International Journal of Changes in Education, vol. 2, no. 2, 2025, pp. 115-122. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewIJCE52024338

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