Master 1 Research Methodology

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Questions and Answers

What key philosophical question is concerned with the nature of reality?

What are the beliefs influencing research?

What exists and what can be known? (correct)

How do we interpret the data?

What methods are appropriate for knowledge construction?

What does epistemology primarily investigate?

The philosophical beliefs of researchers

What constitutes knowledge of reality (correct)

The nature of existence

The methods used in research

According to Kuhn, what is a paradigm primarily characterized by?

Individual interpretations of data

Common beliefs and agreements among researchers (correct)

A unique set of research methods

A singular worldview of the researcher

What is the consequence of adopting a specific research paradigm?

It shapes how researchers understand problems. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT typically associated with the definition of a research paradigm?

Specific research questions to pursue Signup and view all the answers

What underpins the methods used in research according to paradigms?

A set of beliefs about knowledge and reality Signup and view all the answers

How can researchers' beliefs about the world influence their work?

By guiding their inquiry methods and data interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of assumptions in research paradigms?

To guide the methods of knowledge construction Signup and view all the answers

What does ontology primarily deal with?

The nature of existence Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical assumption suggests that reality is socially constructed?

Constructionism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes positivism?

Knowledge derived from scientific evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental question addressed by epistemology?

What is knowledge and how can it be acquired? Signup and view all the answers

In a research context, what does interpretivism emphasize?

The subjective interpretation of meanings Signup and view all the answers

Which field of philosophy concerns itself with the question of what can exist?

Ontology Signup and view all the answers

What is a major criticism of holding unexamined beliefs in research?

It undermines the value of research findings. Signup and view all the answers

Positive research methods are best associated with which approach?

Empirical observation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary belief of positivism regarding knowledge?

Knowledge relies solely on empirical evidence. Signup and view all the answers

How does interpretivism differ from positivism in understanding social phenomena?

Interpretivism focuses on the influence of language and symbols. Signup and view all the answers

According to constructivism, how is knowledge viewed?

Knowledge is constructed through individual and social interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What limits are placed on knowledge production in positivism?

Knowledge must be value-free and objective. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of the methodology in interpretivism?

Exploration of subjective meanings and interpretations. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the social world, what do constructivists emphasize?

The uniqueness and context-specific nature of knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the relationship that constructivism posits between individuals and knowledge?

Knowledge is dynamically built through social interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'multiple truths' signify in the discussion of knowledge?

Truths are subjective and depend on individual perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aim of quantitative research methodology?

To generate numerical data for generalisation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is commonly used in qualitative research?

Focus groups Signup and view all the answers

Mixed methods research is primarily framed within which type of paradigm?

Pragmatism Signup and view all the answers

What type of sample size is typically aimed for in qualitative research?

Small sample for deep understanding Signup and view all the answers

Which methodology focuses on understanding reasons behind opinions and behaviors?

Qualitative methodology Signup and view all the answers

What does positivist epistemology primarily focus on?

Quantifiable and observable phenomena Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between ontology and methodology in research?

Ontology aligns with the methods chosen based on research questions. Signup and view all the answers

Which qualitative method is used for observing and participating in the natural environment?

Participant observation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.