Ontology, epistemology, and research paradigm

Summary

This video explains the relationship between research paradigms, ontology, and epistemology. It defines ontology as the study of reality and epistemology as the study of how we understand knowledge. Three types of ontology and epistemology are discussed, each leading to a different research paradigm: positivism, constructivism, and pragmatism. Positivism believes in one reality and measurable knowledge, constructivism views reality as multiple and interprets knowledge, while pragmatism focuses on practical tools for problem-solving. Understanding these paradigms helps guide the approach and methodology for quality research.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ontology examines the nature of reality, asking the question 'What is reality?'
• 😀 Epistemology focuses on how we understand knowledge and how we think others know, addressing the question 'How can I know reality?'
• 😀 Ontology and epistemology together form the foundation of a research paradigm, helping define how knowledge is understood and examined.
• 😀 Three main ontologies discussed: belief in a single reality, belief in multiple realities, and the view that reality is constantly negotiated or interpreted.
• 😀 Three main epistemologies discussed: belief in measurable knowledge, belief in interpreting reality to discover underlying meaning, and the view that knowledge should be examined using various tools suited to the problem.
• 😀 Research paradigms combine ontology and epistemology to give a holistic view of how knowledge is understood and researched.
• 😀 The three most common research paradigms in social sciences are positivism, constructivism, and pragmatism.
• 😀 Positivism has the ontology that there is one single reality, and epistemology focused on measuring knowledge.
• 😀 Constructivism holds that there are multiple realities and focuses on interpreting knowledge to understand deeper meaning.
• 😀 Pragmatism sees reality as constantly negotiated and supports using various methods to examine knowledge depending on the problem.
• 😀 Understanding your own research paradigm helps establish the best approach and methodology for conducting research, ultimately improving the quality of your work.

Q & A

What is the relationship between research paradigm, ontology, and epistemology?

A research paradigm is shaped by an individual's ontology and epistemology. Ontology defines the nature of reality, while epistemology addresses how knowledge about that reality is acquired. Together, these influence the overall approach and methodology in research.

What is the main focus of ontology in research?

Ontology examines the nature of reality and seeks to answer the question 'What is reality?' It explores whether reality is singular, multiple, or continuously interpreted.

What are the three main ontologies discussed in the video?

The three main ontologies are: 1) The belief in a single reality or truth. 2) The belief that multiple realities exist. 3) The belief that reality is constantly debated or interpreted.

How does epistemology differ from ontology?

While ontology is concerned with the nature of reality ('What is reality?'), epistemology focuses on how we understand and acquire knowledge about that reality ('How can I know reality?').

What are the three epistemological stances mentioned in the video?

The three epistemological stances are: 1) The belief that knowledge can be measured using reliable tools and designs. 2) The belief that reality must be interpreted to uncover deeper meaning. 3) The belief that knowledge should be examined using the best-suited tools for the problem at hand.

What does it mean to combine ontology and epistemology in research?

When ontology and epistemology are combined, they provide a holistic view of how knowledge is understood. This combination forms the foundation of a research paradigm.

What are the three most common research paradigms in social sciences?

The three most common research paradigms in social sciences are: 1) Positivism, 2) Constructivism, and 3) Pragmatism.

How does the positivist research paradigm relate to ontology and epistemology?

In positivism, the ontology is that there is one single reality or truth, and the epistemological stance is that knowledge can be measured reliably using tools and designs.

How do constructivists approach ontology and epistemology?

Constructivists believe that there are multiple realities, and their epistemological stance is that knowledge needs to be interpreted to uncover its underlying meaning.

What is the relationship between pragmatism, ontology, and epistemology?

Pragmatists believe that reality is constantly negotiated or interpreted, and their epistemological stance is that knowledge should be examined using the best tools available to solve the problem.

Why is it important to understand your research paradigm?

Understanding your research paradigm is essential because it guides the choice of approach and methodology, ensuring that the research is effective and aligned with the researcher's perspective on reality and knowledge.