Ontology, Epistemology, Methodology and Methods in Research Simplified!

Summary

This video script demystifies the complex terms of ontology, epistemology, and methodology in research. It explains how beliefs about reality (ontology) shape the way knowledge is pursued (epistemology), which in turn dictates the systematic approach to discovering knowledge (methodology). The script contrasts realism and relativism, objective versus subjective research approaches, and highlights the importance of aligning research methods with the underlying philosophical beliefs to ensure a coherent study.

Takeaways

• 📚 Ontology refers to beliefs about reality, influencing how research is designed and interpreted.
• 🔍 Epistemology is the concept of the researcher's relationship to the research, dictating how knowledge is obtained and understood.
• 🌐 Methodology is the systematic approach to discovering and analyzing knowledge, distinct from methods which are specific techniques.
• 🧐 Realism is an ontology where one unchanging truth exists, discovered through objective measurements and generalizable to other contexts.
• 🌈 Relativism is an ontology that posits multiple realities based on individual perspectives and meanings, not generalizable.
• 🔬 The etic approach in research is objective, aiming to minimize the researcher's influence on the data, often associated with realism.
• 🤝 The emic approach in research is subjective, valuing the researcher's interaction with the subject to gain an in-depth understanding, often linked to relativism.
• 🔑 Experimental methodology is based on realism and an etic epistemology, seeking to prove causality and generalize findings.
• 🌟 Phenomenological studies are rooted in relativism and an emic epistemology, exploring lived experiences and contexts through in-depth interviews.
• ⚖️ Quantitative research often involves statistics and large sample sizes, while qualitative research uses smaller samples and thematic analysis.
• 🔑 The choice of ontology and epistemology dictates the methodology and methods used in research, which should align with the research question.

Q & A

What are the three key terms students are expected to learn about in the context of research?

The three key terms are ontology, epistemology, and methodology. Ontology refers to beliefs about reality, epistemology is about the relationship between the researcher and the research, and methodology is how knowledge is discovered and analyzed systematically.

Why is it important for students to understand these terms when studying research?

Understanding these terms allows students to critique studies, make informed decisions about what should be applied to their practice, and determine the validity and applicability of research findings.

What is the fundamental belief of realism in terms of ontology?

Realism is based on the belief that there exists one unchanging truth that can be discovered through objective measurements and generalized to other situations.

How does relativism differ from realism in its view of reality?

Relativism holds the belief that there are multiple versions of reality, and what is considered real depends on the meanings individuals attach to their experiences, making reality context-bound and not generalizable.

What is the relationship between ontology and epistemology?

Epistemology is influenced by ontology. A researcher's beliefs about the nature of reality (ontology) dictate their approach to knowledge gathering and the relationship they have with the subject of their study (epistemology).

What is the etic approach to research, and which view of reality does it correspond to?

The etic approach involves conducting research from an outsider's perspective, minimizing the researcher's influence on the data. It corresponds to the realist view of reality, which seeks objective truth.

How does the emic approach differ from the etic approach in research?

The emic approach is used by researchers who believe in a subjective understanding of reality. It involves interacting with subjects to gain in-depth insights, acknowledging or even embracing the researcher's influence on the study.

What is the difference between methodology and methods in research?

Methodology refers to the philosophies guiding how knowledge should be gathered and analyzed, while methods are the specific techniques used for data collection, such as interviews or surveys.

How does an experimental methodology reflect the beliefs of realism and etic epistemology?

An experimental methodology is designed to prove causation and discover objective truth. It is planned to eliminate contextual influences, uses deductive reasoning starting from a theory, and employs objective measurements like surveys.

What is phenomenology in research, and what ontological and epistemological beliefs does it reflect?

Phenomenology is a research approach that explores lived experiences through in-depth interviews and understanding the context. It reflects a relativist ontology and an emic epistemology, focusing on subjective truth and the researcher's interaction with the subject.

How can one distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies?

Quantitative research typically uses statistics and large sample sizes, while qualitative research uses smaller samples and thematic analysis. However, it's essential to look beyond these surface characteristics and consider the underlying ontological and epistemological beliefs.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Understanding Research Foundations: Ontology, Epistemology, and Methodology

This paragraph introduces the importance of learning about ontology, epistemology, and methodology for students in research. It explains that understanding these concepts is crucial for critically evaluating studies and making informed decisions in practice. Ontology refers to beliefs about reality and the nature of truth, with two contrasting views presented: realism, which posits a single, unchanging truth discoverable through objective measures, and relativism, which suggests multiple realities based on individual perspectives and meanings. The paragraph emphasizes the impact of these ontological beliefs on the design and approach of research studies.

05:02

🔍 Exploring Epistemology and Methodology in Research

The second paragraph delves deeper into epistemology, which is the study of the relationship between the researcher and the research, focusing on how knowledge is acquired. It discusses how ontological beliefs shape epistemological stances, leading to different approaches in research such as the objective, etic approach associated with realism, and the subjective, emic approach linked to relativism. The paragraph further explains methodology as the systematic way of discovering and analyzing knowledge, distinguishing it from methods, which are specific data-gathering techniques. It uses examples of experimental and phenomenological methodologies to illustrate how ontological and epistemological beliefs dictate the research design and analysis process.

10:08

📘 Research Paradigms and Methodological Choices

The final paragraph discusses the connection between ontology, epistemology, methodology, and methods, emphasizing that these elements must align with the research question. It provides guidance on identifying the paradigm of a study by looking at its use of statistics, sample size, and whether it is quantitative or qualitative in nature. The paragraph encourages viewers to explore additional resources, such as the speaker's book and other videos, for a comprehensive understanding of research philosophy. It concludes by inviting feedback and engagement from the audience, highlighting the importance of multiple perspectives in grasping complex concepts.

Keywords

💡Ontology

Ontology in the context of this video refers to the philosophical study of the nature of being, becoming, existence, or reality. It is crucial for understanding what one believes about the nature of truth and reality, which in turn shapes how research is conducted. The video discusses two types of ontology: Realism and Relativism, with Realism positing that a single, unchanging truth exists that can be discovered through objective means, while Relativism suggests that reality is subjective and dependent on personal perspectives and experiences.

💡Epistemology

Epistemology is the study of knowledge and belief, particularly how knowledge is acquired, justified, and what counts as knowledge. In the video, it is defined as the relationship a researcher has with their research, determining how they gather and interpret data. It is influenced by ontological beliefs, with the video contrasting an 'etic' approach, which seeks to remain objective and detached, with an 'emic' approach that acknowledges and sometimes embraces the researcher's influence and interaction with the subject.

💡Methodology

Methodology is the systematic body of concepts and techniques used in a particular discipline for acquiring knowledge. The video emphasizes that methodology is not just about the methods used in research but also the underlying philosophies that guide the process of knowledge discovery and analysis. It is shaped by both ontological and epistemological beliefs, with different methodologies being suited to different types of research questions and objectives.

💡Realism

In the script, Realism is presented as an ontological perspective that asserts there is a single, objective truth that exists independently of our perceptions. This belief system supports an etic epistemology and a methodology that seeks to uncover this truth through objective measurements and generalizations, as exemplified in experimental research.

💡Relativism

Relativism is another ontological perspective that the video introduces, which posits that reality is subjective and varies from person to person based on their experiences and meanings they attach to things. This view supports an emic epistemology and methodologies that involve deep engagement with the subjects of study, such as in phenomenological research.

💡Etic Approach

An etic approach to research is one where the researcher maintains a distance from the subject in order to observe and analyze without influencing the findings. The term is borrowed from linguistics, where it refers to the study of a language from an outsider's perspective. In the video, it is associated with Realism and the objective pursuit of truth.

💡Emic Approach

Conversely, an emic approach in research involves the researcher immersing themselves in the subject's context to understand it from an insider's perspective. This approach is linked to Relativism in the video, where the researcher's interaction with the subject is seen as essential for gaining an in-depth understanding of their experiences and realities.

💡Experimental Methodology

The video describes the experimental methodology as one that is grounded in a Realist ontology and an etic epistemology. It is characterized by the aim to prove causal relationships through controlled experiments, using deductive reasoning to test hypotheses and objective measurements for data collection.

💡Phenomenological Study

A phenomenological study, as mentioned in the script, is a type of qualitative research that seeks to explore and describe the essence of lived experiences. It is associated with a Relativist ontology and an emic epistemology, often employing in-depth interviews and an inductive approach to identify patterns and develop understandings of the contexts in which experiences occur.

💡Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning is a method of reasoning where specific observations lead to broader generalizations or theories. The video contrasts this with deductive reasoning, which starts with a general theory and tests specific hypotheses. Inductive reasoning is commonly used in qualitative research, such as phenomenological studies, to develop insights from the data collected.

💡Quantitative Research

Quantitative research is a research approach that involves the collection and analysis of numerical data, often using statistical methods to test hypotheses. The video suggests that it is typically associated with a Realist ontology, an etic epistemology, and methodologies that aim for objectivity and generalizability, such as experiments.

💡Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is another approach that focuses on understanding social phenomena through non-numerical data, such as words, observations, and audio-visual material. The video links this approach to a Relativist ontology and an emic epistemology, where the researcher seeks to deeply understand the context and meanings within a specific situation, often using smaller sample sizes and thematic analysis.

Highlights

Students are expected to learn about ontology, epistemology, and methodology to critically assess research studies.

Ontology refers to beliefs about reality and the nature of truth.

Epistemology is the study of the relationship between the researcher and the research.

Methodology is the systematic way of discovering and analyzing knowledge.

Realism and Relativism are two fundamental types of ontology.

Realists believe in an unchanging, discoverable truth.

Relativists believe in multiple realities based on individual perspectives.

Epistemological beliefs are influenced by ontological views.

The etic approach to research involves objective measurements from an outsider's perspective.

The emic approach involves subjective interaction with the research subject.

Experimental methodology is based on realism and an etic epistemology.

Phenomenological studies explore lived experiences and are based on relativism and an emic epistemology.

Quantitative research often uses statistics and large sample sizes.

Qualitative research typically uses smaller sample sizes and thematic analysis.

Understanding the basics of realism and relativism helps match research paradigms.

The question being asked in research drives the choice of ontology, epistemology, methodology, and methods.

The video offers multiple perspectives on understanding research philosophy.

The presenter invites viewers to explore additional resources for a deeper understanding of research concepts.

Transcripts

Students learning about research are expected to learn what ontology, epistemology and methodology

mean. In this video I am going to explain and simplify these terms for you.

Before we even get into it you may be asking yourself: Why do we ask students to learn

this stuff? Students need to learn these terms and how they apply to research so they can

look at a study and decide for themselves if it makes sense. Once you understand it

you can critique it and make better decisions about what should be applied to your practice.

Ontology is a fancy word for beliefs about reality. Different kinds of research are founded

on different beliefs about what we think truth is. Do you think that truth even exists? What

is true?

What we think reality is will shape what we think we can know about reality. That is why

it is important to understand ontology when you are learning about and critiquing research.

Philosophies about reality can be divided in different ways. When you are just starting

to learn about research it helps to understand the two types of ontology that are essentially

opposites: Realism and Relativism. Once you understand these two types of ontology you

can more easily understand others. In this video I am only going to talk about realism

and relativism, but in my book I also talk about critical realism and historical realism

as they apply to different approaches to research.

First let's talk about realism. In a nutshell realists believe that one truth exists. Truth

does not change. Realists believe that the truth can be discovered using objective measurements.

Once you find out what the truth is you can generalize it to other situations.

If you can wrap your head around this view of reality, even if you don’t totally agree

with it, you will understand why research that is based on this view of reality is designed

the way that it is. If this is what the researcher thinks about reality it will influence every

single decision that is made in the study.

The opposite view of reality is called relativism. If you look at what I just said about realism

you can probably guess that everything relativists believe is the exact opposite of what realists

believe.

Using that logic you know that relativists believe in multiple versions of reality - what

is real depends on the meaning you attach to truth. Truth does not exist without meaning.

Since reality is created by how we see things it evolves and changes depending on your experiences.

If reality is context bound it cannot be generalized. It can only be transferred to other similar

contexts.

Epistemology is another fancy word that basically means what relationship the researcher has

with the research. So, how do we get knowledge? How do we discover new things?

Ontological beliefs will dictate epistemological beliefs. Let me say that again in another

way. What the researcher believes about the nature of reality will dictate the kind of

relationship they think the researcher should have with whatever is being studied.

There are two basic sets of beliefs about how we should gather new knowledge.

Some researchers believe that research should be done in an objective way so that the researcher

does not influence the data that is gathered. They think that in order to find out what

the truth is the researcher needs to stay as far away from the research as they can

so that they can get an objective measurement.

This approach is also known as an etic approach to research. The word etic basically means

taking an outsider’s view of someone else’s situation.

So, if you use a fishbowl to represent someone’s situation that is being researched the researcher

taking an etic approach would want to look at the fishbowl from the outside, measure

it and make observations without ever touching it.

If we go back to look at the two major opposing views of reality, which one do you think leads

to this etic approach to conducting research?

That is right, realism! If you think that truth exists that can be objectively measured

then of course you want to stand back, look at your fishbowl and try to measure it without

disturbing the reality you are studying.

The opposite approach to research would be taking an emic approach. An emic approach

is used by researchers that believe in a subjective approach to reality. Interacting with people

to find out what truth means to them is needed. So these researchers would want to get inside

the fishbowl. The potential influence of the researcher on what is being researched is

acknowledged, sometimes avoided or sometimes even embraced. Interaction is seen as a necessary

thing to gain in-depth understandings of what is going on.

What ontology do you think leads to this way to approaching research?

That is right, relativism! Remember that relativists believe that the truth is created by meanings

and experiences. In order to understand someone’s experience and the context that shaped it

you need to dig deep and talk to them.

Methodology is another fancy word that means how knowledge is discovered and analysed in

a systematic way. Don’t confuse methodology with methods. Yes, they are closely related

but the term methodology refers to philosophies that guide how knowledge should be gathered.

The term methods, on the other hand, is specific to a data gathering techniques like interviews

or surveys.

Methodology can be divided based on the ontological and epistemological beliefs that led to them.

For the purposes of this video I want you to take a guess what ontology and epistemology

would be linked to an experimental methodology.

Let me give you a hint. The purpose of an experiment is to prove that one thing caused

another.

That is right, experiments are designed to discover the truth so they are based on a

realist ontology and an etic epistemology. How can you tell? Well, they are looking for

one truth. The methodology behind experimental research is built on the idea that data should

be discovered and analysed in an objective way. Since they are wanting to be objective

they are looking at the topic from the outside, which means they are using an etic epistemology.

The experimental methodology is planned in advance to eliminate the influence of as many

contextual factors as possible since the only way these researchers believe that truth can

be discovered is to remove it from it’s context.

Quantitative researchers want to make generalizations based on their results. An experiment uses

a deductive approach to analysis. That means that the study will start with a theory. From

that theory hypotheses will be developed. You normally see the hypotheses explicitly

stated at the beginning of the methodology section or just before it. These hypotheses

are then tested. Specific data is collected and analysed to either prove or disprove the

original hypothesis.

Since the experimental research is designed to be objective the methods in an experiment

will likely include surveys and other objective measurements like weight, height, blood pressure

and so on.

How about another example. What ontological and epistemological beliefs lead to a phenomenological

study? Let me give you another hint … phenomenology is designed to explore lived experiences.

Often researchers will do in-depth interviews with people to collect information and understand

the context of the experience.

I hope you picked up on the keywords in that question. Experiences, in-depth, interviews,

context … all of these words only make sense if the researcher is using a relativist ontology.

The fact that interviews are being done to explore and understand the context of a situation

means an emic epistemology is being used.

In a phenomenological methodology research design decisions are made based on complex

philosophies about how data should be collected and analysed. But basically they start talking

to participants to gather as much specific information as they can about a situation.

Then they look for patterns or common findings in their data. From those patterns tentative

hypotheses are created even though they are not usually labeled as hypotheses in the actual

study because that is a quantitative term. These hypotheses are used to promote more

research and eventually general conclusions or theories are developed. When results are

presented they are always linked to the context that was studied. This kind of logic that

is most commonly (but not always) associated with qualitative research is called inductive

reasoning.

Remember, your ontology dictates your epistemology which dictates your methodology which dictates

your methods. All of this needs to make sense for the question you are asking since in reality

the question drives everything. If you can understand the basics of realism and relativism

you can use logic to match everything else about research epistemology and methodology

to the appropriate paradigm as long as you know what the other terms mean.

Let’s say you are looking at another article and you notice that they are describing patterns

among a large group of people using statistics. If you had to guess, what do you think the

ontology and epistemology that lead to this approach is?

Most times the article will explicitly tell you if it is quantitative or qualitative , but

sometimes it won’t. Another way to tell if your methodology is quantitative or qualitative

in nature is to look at the use of statistics and the sample size.

Typically quantitative research uses statistics and large sample sizes.

Qualitative research on the other hand uses smaller sample sizes and thematic analysis.

Sometimes it is more complicated than that so make sure you look beyond the sample and

statistics to confirm your guess.

Do you think that makes sense based on what we have discussed so far? Please comment below

to let me know if you can make sense of the reasoning.

I hope you have found this video helpful. For more about the basics of this complex

terminology please read my book and let me know if you have any other questions. I also

have a few other videos about research philosophy you might want to check out. Sometimes all

you need to do to understand something is to hear it explained in a few different ways.

That is why I have multiple videos on this topic.

If you take a moment to explore my channel you will see that I have other videos on this

same topic that explain things in other ways. If you like my videos please press the like

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