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Questions and Answers
What is a fundamental assumption of the positivist approach in epistemology?
What is a fundamental assumption of the positivist approach in epistemology?
Which epistemological orientation argues that knowledge generation is an ongoing collaborative project?
Which epistemological orientation argues that knowledge generation is an ongoing collaborative project?
In which discipline is the focus primarily on supply and demand?
In which discipline is the focus primarily on supply and demand?
What does the standpoint approach challenge about knowledge acquisition?
What does the standpoint approach challenge about knowledge acquisition?
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Which statement best represents the critical realist view of the knower?
Which statement best represents the critical realist view of the knower?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the positivist epistemology?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the positivist epistemology?
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What is the main focus of psychology as an epistemological discipline?
What is the main focus of psychology as an epistemological discipline?
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How does critical realism view scientific rationality?
How does critical realism view scientific rationality?
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What influences a knower's perspective when acquiring knowledge?
What influences a knower's perspective when acquiring knowledge?
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How is the process of knowing characterized according to the content?
How is the process of knowing characterized according to the content?
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Which of the following best represents radical social constructionism?
Which of the following best represents radical social constructionism?
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In the context of social sciences, what do social classifications and labels represent?
In the context of social sciences, what do social classifications and labels represent?
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What role does the knower play in relation to the known?
What role does the knower play in relation to the known?
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Which group is often marginalized in the context of academic research?
Which group is often marginalized in the context of academic research?
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What question should researchers consider regarding their epistemological position?
What question should researchers consider regarding their epistemological position?
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Which of the following approaches views homosexuality primarily as a moral issue?
Which of the following approaches views homosexuality primarily as a moral issue?
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Study Notes
Epistemology - The Study of Knowledge
- Epistemology examines the knower, the known, and the process of knowing.
- It explores how we acquire knowledge and the relationship between the knower and the subject of knowledge.
- It considers different disciplines' perspectives: geography (land and area), economics (supply and demand), psychology (behavioral and cognitive influences), and political science (how governments use knowledge).
- Four common epistemological orientations: Positivism, Critical Realism, Standpoint Theory, and Radical Social Constructionism.
Positivism
- Assumes natural laws govern the world.
- Believes truth is discoverable through systematic observation.
- Emphasizes replicability as a key component.
- Goals include uncovering objective truths.
Critical Realism
- Argues the world exists independently of our understanding.
- Recognizes scientific methods have limitations.
- Acknowledges that the world is complex and subject to change (psychological phenomena can have multiple causes).
- Sees knowledge generation as an ongoing collaborative process.
Standpoint Theory
- Understands that our knowledge is shaped by our social location (history, culture, interests, physical location, social class, race, gender, etc.).
- Recognizes that some perspectives are privileged over others.
- Acknowledges that knowledge is often partial, localized, and historically specific.
Radical Social Constructionism
- Contends that natural laws do not apply to the social sciences.
- Believes that the social world is created and shaped by institutions.
- Maintains that individuals and groups are shaped by existing ideas.
- Acknowledges that social scientific labels, classifications, diagnoses, and interpretations can be socially constructed.
Epistemology and Methodology
- A researcher's epistemological stance informs their research approach.
- Important research questions should align with the study's objectives.
- Research methods should effectively answer questions, and the perspective of the subjects should be considered.
- Data should be presented effectively.
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Description
This quiz explores the field of epistemology, focusing on the nature of knowledge, its acquisition, and the knower's role. It delves into various epistemological orientations, including Positivism and Critical Realism, and examines perspectives from different disciplines. Test your understanding of how knowledge is constructed and understood.
