A survey and analysis of four major research paradigms--positivism, postpositivism, critical theory and constructivism--reveal that all have been applied effectively in recent theological inquiry. Although these paradigms might resemble worldviews to some extent, they are not so all-encompassing. Rather, they are essentially matrices of deeply held assumptions or conceptual frameworks that undergird and guide research, in this case, theological method. A three-step approach--one that applauds a willingness to examine and blend research paradigms--is recommended in so far as it may, in some cases, best maintain a commitment to faithful dealing with the biblical record and, hence, to truth-seeking--both in the direct theological endeavour and in theological education, both formal and informal. (Contains 18 notes.)