<p>This article provides the definition, assumptions, and application examples of research that can be conducted in a positivist paradigm, summarized as follows:</p><ul><li>Scientific research in a positivist paradigm focuses on explanation and prediction.</li><li>The hypothetico-deductive model of science is used to facilitate the research process, taking a theory-verification approach.</li><li>Research operates in a dualistic and objective world, where the researcher does not interact with study participants to minimize bias.</li><li>Theories of nature depend on empirical data, with larger samples used to make generalizations.</li></ul><p>While different research paradigms provide their unique value in advancing science, positivism has been a dominant form of research in basic and clinical science for over 150 years.6,8,22&nbsp;As such, understanding positivism and its language is important for researchers hoping to conduct research in interdisciplinary fields such as medical education.</p>