Doing a research project can be daunting, especially when you have to learn a whole set of new terms. In this video I will explain the relationship between research paradigm ontology and epistemology. In the simplest terms, the following picture describes the relationship between ontology, epistemology and research paradigm.
So what does ontology and epistemology mean? Well, ontology examines the nature of reality. while epistemology examines how you can examine reality. Ontology is interested in addressing the question, what is reality?
There are several ontologies that exist. For the purposes of this video, I will use these three ontologies. Firstly, the belief that there is only one single reality or truth.
Secondly, the belief that there are multiple realities. Thirdly, that reality is constantly negotiated, debated. or interpreted.
Epistemology refers to how an individual understands knowledge, how they understand their own thinking process, and how they think others know. In other words, epistemology addresses the question, how can I know reality? There are several different epistemologies that exist. For the purposes of this video, I will use these three epistemologies.
Firstly, the belief that knowledge can be measured using reliable designs and tools. Secondly, the belief that reality needs to be interpreted to discover the underlying meaning. Thirdly, that knowledge should be examined using whatever tools are best suited to solve the problem. When you combine your ontology and epistemology together, you are able to get a holistic view of how you understand knowledge.
This is what we mean when we refer to a research paradigm. using the three ontologies and three epistemologies i mentioned before i will now show you how these combine to form the three most common research paradigms in social sciences positivism constructivism and pragmatism positivists have the ontology that there is one single reality or truth and the epistemological stance that knowledge can be measured in contrast constructivists believe that there are multiple realities and the epistemological stance that knowledge needs to be interpreted to discover the underlying meaning finally pragmatists believe that reality is constantly negotiated debated or interpreted and the epistemological stance that knowledge should be examined using whatever tools are best suited to solve the problem once you have determined your research paradigm you are able to establish the approach and methodology that is best suited to examine the knowledge you are interested in This is why it is important to understand your research paradigm. It will improve the quality of your research.