The Naturalistic Paradigm

Abstract

This article advocates the need to balance group research by rejecting the dominant paradigm that drives research-positivism--and adopting an alternative paradigm-the naturalistic paradigm. After critiquing positivistic group research, the philosophical assumptions and methodological practices of the naturalistic paradigm as they apply to small group research-the research setting, type of natural group, research foci, methodological procedures, and researchers' relationship with members of natural groups-are described. The author 's research program on creating and sustaining community in an AIDS residential facility is used to illustrate the conduct of naturalistic group research and the rich insights that can be obtained about group process. The article concludes that the naturalistic paradigm and its practices potentially can infuse group research with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency.