Overview
This lecture introduces the key concepts of ontology, epistemology, and methodology in research, focusing on their definitions, differences, and their relationship to research design.
Ontology: Beliefs About Reality
- Ontology refers to beliefs about the nature of reality and what constitutes "truth."
- Realism is the belief that one objective truth exists that can be discovered and generalized.
- Relativism holds that multiple realities exist, shaped by context and individual meaning, and cannot be generalized.
Epistemology: Relationship With Knowledge
- Epistemology concerns how knowledge is acquired and the researcher's relationship with that knowledge.
- Etic epistemology aims for objectivity, with the researcher as an outsider to avoid influencing the data (linked to realism).
- Emic epistemology embraces subjectivity, involving researcher interaction to understand participants' experiences (linked to relativism).
- Ontological beliefs directly influence epistemological choices.
Methodology: Systematic Discovery of Knowledge
- Methodology is the overarching philosophy guiding how knowledge is systematically collected and analyzed in research.
- Method is different from methodology; methods are specific data collection techniques like surveys or interviews.
- Experimental methodology (quantitative) is driven by a realist ontology and etic epistemology, using objective, generalizable methods.
- Phenomenological methodology (qualitative) is driven by a relativist ontology and emic epistemology, using context-rich, subjective methods like interviews.
Research Approaches: Quantitative vs Qualitative
- Quantitative research uses large samples and statistics to uncover generalizable patterns, relying on realism and etic epistemology.
- Qualitative research uses smaller samples and thematic analysis, focusing on context and meaning, and stems from relativism and emic epistemology.
- Deductive reasoning (quantitative) tests existing theories with hypotheses.
- Inductive reasoning (qualitative) builds theories from observed patterns.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ontology — beliefs about the nature of reality.
- Realism — belief in a single, objective truth.
- Relativism — belief in multiple, context-bound realities.
- Epistemology — study of how knowledge is acquired.
- Etic Approach — researcher as outsider; objective stance.
- Emic Approach — researcher as insider; subjective, interactive stance.
- Methodology — philosophy guiding systematic knowledge collection and analysis.
- Method — specific technique for data collection (e.g., survey, interview).
- Deductive Reasoning — hypothesis testing from a theory.
- Inductive Reasoning — theory building from specific observations.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read the recommended book for further details on research philosophies.
- Watch additional videos on the channel to deepen understanding of ontology, epistemology, and methodology.
- Try identifying ontology and epistemology in sample research articles as practice.