Commentary: Paradigms, Axiology, and Praxeology in Medical Education Research.

Abstract

This supplement includes 11 research papers accepted by the 2018 Research in Medical Education Committee. In this Commentary, the authors draw the attention of medical educators and researchers to questions about the researcher's philosophical paradigm. Such questions fundamentally guide research-the choice of conceptual frameworks, methods, and methodology. The authors provide a brief overview of research paradigms and the related concept of axiology and praxeology in medical education research. The authors map the 11 accepted research articles, describing the researchers' stated or implied worldviews and the impact on chosen methods. The authors close by encouraging researchers to state the research paradigm behind their research, comment on how they ensured that the methods used displayed consistency with that paradigm, and highlight the value the research adds to everyday education.