What Is Research Philosophy? Ontology, Epistemology, Deduction, Induction + More!

Summary

Dr. Haley Stanton introduces research philosophy, explaining its essential role in shaping research methods. She compares research philosophy to the roots of a tree, which guide the final outcomes. Key concepts like ontology (the nature of being) and epistemology (how knowledge is obtained) are explored, along with their branches: empiricism, rationalism, and transcendentalism. Dr. Stanton emphasizes that understanding these philosophical foundations helps researchers make informed choices about their methodology, from data collection methods to broader research design. This video offers an accessible introduction for students and provides guidance on integrating academic references into research projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Research philosophy is the foundation of any research project, just like the roots of a tree support its growth.
• 😀 Understanding research philosophy helps explain why a chosen research method is suitable for a specific research project.
• 😀 Research methodologies are rooted in ontology, epistemology, and methodology, forming a clear and logical progression.
• 😀 Research methods books may seem complicated, but they can provide a clear pathway when approached logically.
• 😀 Start with your data collection method (e.g., interview or survey) to determine whether your research is qualitative or quantitative.
• 😀 Epistemology deals with how knowledge is obtained and how truth is reached, influencing the relationship between the researcher and reality.
• 😀 Ontology is about the nature of being and reality, with two main positions: realism (external reality) and nominalism (subjective interpretation).
• 😀 Researchers may fall on a spectrum between realism and nominalism, not strictly into one category or the other.
• 😀 Epistemology has three main branches: empiricism, rationalism, and transcendental philosophy, each guiding how knowledge is constructed.
• 😀 The process of induction (empiricism) works from specific observations to general conclusions, while deduction (rationalism) starts with theories to confirm specific hypotheses.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The video focuses on introducing research philosophy, explaining its importance, and guiding students on how to understand and apply it to their research methodology.

Why does the speaker compare research philosophy to the roots of a tree?

The speaker compares research philosophy to the roots of a tree to illustrate that it forms the foundation of a research methodology. Just as a tree's leaves depend on the roots, a research method depends on its underlying philosophical assumptions.

What is the 'research onion' mentioned in the video?

The 'research onion' is a concept used to explain the layers of research philosophy, methodology, and methods. It helps students understand how to break down their research approach step-by-step, starting from broad philosophical assumptions to specific methods of data collection.

What is ontology in the context of research philosophy?

Ontology is the philosophical study of what exists and the nature of reality. In research, it deals with questions like what can be said to exist and how researchers view reality in relation to their studies.

What are the two dominant positions within ontology discussed in the video?

The two dominant positions within ontology are realism, where the world exists independently of human interpretations, and nominalism, where reality is shaped by individual interpretations and subjectivity.

How does the speaker suggest determining the research methodology for a project?

The speaker suggests working backwards from the chosen method of data collection (e.g., interview or survey), which will determine whether the research is qualitative or quantitative. This then influences the philosophical approach, such as interpretivism or positivism.

What is epistemology, and why is it important in research?

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the creation and validation of knowledge. It determines how knowledge is acquired and what methods are valid for obtaining truth, shaping the relationship between the researcher and reality.

What are the three branches of epistemology mentioned in the video?

The three branches of epistemology mentioned are empiricism, rationalism, and transcendental philosophy. Each offers a different view on how knowledge is constructed and validated.

What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to broader generalizations, whereas deductive reasoning starts with a general premise and works toward specific conclusions. Inductive reasoning is associated with empirical research, while deductive reasoning is more common in scientific methods.

What role do references play in writing a research project, according to the speaker?

References are crucial to support the research argument and demonstrate academic rigor. The speaker emphasizes that students cannot simply repeat ideas from videos like this but must integrate academic references to substantiate their methodology and philosophy.