Master 1 Research Methodology

Research Methodology Module: Philosophy of Research

• The module is presented by Dr Fatima Zahra Abboud for Master 1 class.
• Contact email is [email protected]

Class Rules and Expectations

• Attendance is mandatory.
• Lateness to the classroom is unacceptable.
• Turn phones to silent during class.
• Be an active participant in class, including checking the Google Classroom platform regularly.

Paradigms, Ontology, Epistemology

• A visual representation of books on a shelf signifies the topic, implying various research perspectives.

Assumptions

• Central to understanding the nature of reality being studied (ontology).
• About what constitutes knowledge of that reality (epistemology).
• Includes specific ways or methods to construct knowledge of the reality.

Key Philosophical Questions Underlying Research

• What exists, and what can be known? (Ontology)
• How can we know it? (Epistemology)
• These philosophical disciplines combine to represent the research paradigm.

What is a Paradigm?

• A belief system (or theory) guiding actions and thought processes about the world.
• A set of assumptions about the world and how to investigate it.
• It's a worldview defining the nature of the world, an individual's place in it, and possible relationships.

What is a Research Paradigm?

• A set of rules shaped by beliefs about the connection between theories, methods, and evidence.
• Guides research practice (what we do and why).
• A lens for viewing the world.
• Kuhn (1962) defines "paradigm" as shared beliefs and agreements regarding how problems are understood and addressed.
• Research paradigms involve philosophical assumptions about an investigation approach impacting data interpretation (Bryman, 2012).
• Researchers should be aware of philosophical assumptions guiding their worldview, and alignment with the study's purpose prevents misunderstandings and biases, enhancing research value (Mertens, 2010).

Ontology

• What exists/matters; what can be known?
• Is there an independent real world separate from our knowledge of it?
• Derived from Greek words (Onto = being / existence, Logos = knowledge)

Ontology: Objectivism/Constructivism

• Objectivism: What we know reflects the real-world materials. Reality is a fixed set of given data/physical facts. This view is called realism.
• Constructivism: Reality is socially constructed, not a set of fixed data. Observations depend on how we look at the world, which is shaped by social and historical situatedness. This view is called Naturalistic.

Epistemology

• What is knowledge, and how can it be known?
• Main approaches are Positivism and Interpretivism (considered a continuum).

Positivism vs. Interpretivism

• Positivism: Knowledge is based on scientific research; data is verified. Society functions like the physical world with general laws. Knowledge is gained through observation without impacting what is being observed.. There is an absolute, unquestionable truth. Values are not a factor.
• Interpretivism: Knowledge is constructed through meaning. Humans give meaning to the world through their social and historical perspectives and seek to understand the context. Multiple truths are considered valid; values influence results.

The 5 Pillars of Positivism

• Unity of scientific method across disciplines
• Interest in causal relationships
• Empiricism
• Belief that science is value-free
• Foundation of science based on logic and math

Interpretivism

• The world is interpreted through the mind
• The social world can only be understood by understanding how people use language and symbols to construct social practices and their experiences
• The social world is created by purposeful action
• Actions are driven by rules, in contrast to cause and effect in positivism.

Constructivism

• Knowledge is constructed through interactions with the world (individual/socially situated).
• Realities are specific, local, and created. Realities are socially and experientially based, determined by individuals or groups holding them (Guba & Lincoln 1994).

Methodology

• Methodology considers the relationship between knowledge and reality.
• Expressed explicitly, underlying choices in research are made explicit.
• Methodology forms part of research, influenced by the researcher and other researchers.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Methodology

• Quantitative: Generates data (numbers) that can be analyzed statistically. Aims for generalizability through large samples. Includes surveys, experiments, and testing.
• Qualitative: Seeks to explore reasons, opinions, and motivations. Focuses on insights and develops ideas, using smaller samples. Methods include focus groups, individual interviews, participation/observations.

Pragmatism/Mixed Methods

• Mixed methods studies are framed by a specific paradigm
• Research has implications for underlying assumptions, analysis, and conclusions
• Methodology relates to beliefs about the connection between knowledge and reality.
• It's essential to match your methods with your ontological and epistemological stances. Which comes first: the methods or the research questions?

Task

• Position yourselves ontologically and epistemologically within the presented paradigms (objectivism, constructivism, positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism).
• Identify any questions or uncertainties about the research methods.

Explore the foundational concepts of research methodology in this Master 1 module. Dr. Fatima Zahra Abboud guides students through the critical philosophical questions of ontology and epistemology. Engage with essential paradigms to develop a deeper understanding of research processes.