Philosophical Aspects of Qualitative Research

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Questions and Answers

What does ontology primarily study?

The nature of reality (correct)

The methods of data collection

How we construct knowledge

The ethics of research

Realism and idealism are two opposing views in ontology regarding the nature of reality.

True

What type of reasoning does qualitative research primarily utilize?

Inductive reasoning

In naive realism, it is believed that we perceive reality __________.

objectively Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

Realism = Difference between interpreted reality and objective reality Idealism = Interpretation constitutes reality Materialism = Only material reality exists Relativism = Everyone constructs their own reality Signup and view all the answers

What does the correspondence theory of truth imply?

A statement is true if it corresponds to an independent reality Signup and view all the answers

Qualitative research relies on deductive reasoning to formulate its hypotheses.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'knowledge as value-mediated'?

Knowledge is inseparable from values. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory claims that something is true when many people agree with it?

Coherence theory of truth Signup and view all the answers

Positivism suggests that knowledge is always value-mediated.

False Signup and view all the answers

What technique is used in qualitative research to understand constructs and concepts people use to make sense of their world?

Phenomenology Signup and view all the answers

In the method of ___________, researchers try to produce detailed descriptions of a culture by immersing themselves in that community.

ethnography Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes post-positivism?

It emphasizes cautious realism and fallibilistic knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Match the qualitative research approach with its primary focus:

Discursive Analysis = Studies how knowledge is produced within different fields Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) = Focuses on the meaning of personal experiences Grounded Theory = Investigates behavior in the context of social roles Hermeneutics = Examines the historical context of a text Signup and view all the answers

Participatory action research is based on critical theory and aims to make positive changes for participants.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of critical theory in qualitative research?

To identify how material conditions influence beliefs and behavior. Signup and view all the answers

The method known as __________ analysis looks at how conversations are organized.

conversation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the concept of 'naive realism'?

Reality exists independently and can be perceived accurately. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Philosophical Aspects of Qualitative Research

Ontology: Studies the nature of reality.
Realism: Reality exists independently of our interpretation.
- Naive realism: Objective and accurate perception of reality.
- Materialism: Only material reality exists; subjective experiences are byproducts.
Idealism: Our interpretation IS reality.
- Collective idealism: Shared reality is constructed.
- Relativism: Everyone creates their own reality.
Social vs. Natural World: No fixed laws in the social world due to human agency.
Induction: Bottom-up approach; starts with observations.
Deduction: Top-down approach; starts with reasoning.
Retroduction: Forming concepts to explain experiences.
Abduction: Translating experiences into existing concepts.
Foundational models: Reality can be accurately reconstructed by theories.
Fallibilistic models: Theories are never perfect; always subject to improvement.
Value-mediated knowledge: Knowledge is influenced by values, and cannot be completely value free.
Correspondence Theory of Truth: True statements align with reality.
Coherence Theory of Truth: Truth is established through consensus.
Pragmatic Theory of Truth: Useful beliefs are deemed true.

Positivism and Other Currents

Positivism: Reality exists independently and accurate perception is possible
- Belief in naive realism, induction, and the use of natural science methodology in social research.
- Corresponding theory of truth
Post-positivism: Modification of positivism.
- Cautious realism instead of naive realism.
- Fallibilistic view of knowledge; truth through summation of perspectives (coherence theory).
- Deductive reasoning for hypothesis formation.

Key Developments and Traditions in Qualitative Research

Ethnography: Detailed descriptions of cultures through immersion
Phenomenology: Understanding constructs people use to make sense of the world.
- Conversation Analysis: Examines conversational patterns and organization.
Discourse Analysis: How knowledge is constructed within specific contexts.
Protocol Analysis: Identifying cognitive steps in task performance.
Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA): Meaning of experiences for individuals.
Symbolic Interactionism: Behavior based on social roles.
- Grounded Theory: Developing theories from data.
Ethogenics: Studying development of skills in individuals
Hermeneutics: Studying historical context for better text interpretation.
Constructionism: Exploring constructed realities from those involved.
Critical Theory: Identifying how material conditions affect beliefs and behaviours. (Marxist, feminist, queer, etc.).
Participatory Action Research: Critical theory-based research for positive change.

Course Approach to Qualitative Research

Not specified in this context

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Description

Explore the various philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research, including ontology, realism, idealism, and methods of reasoning such as induction and deduction. This quiz analyzes how these concepts influence the interpretation of reality and the methodologies used in qualitative studies.