Research Methods: Empiricism vs Rationalism

Questions and Answers

What does the ETIC approach focus on in research?

In-depth understanding through personal interactions

A subjective view influenced by personal beliefs

Objective measurements and outside perspectives (correct)

Interpreting subjective experiences of individuals

Which statement accurately describes the EMIC approach?

It follows a rigid experimental methodology.

It seeks to interpret reality through personal engagements. (correct)

It avoids subjective interpretations altogether.

It relies solely on statistical data.

How does ontology relate to epistemology in the context of research?

Ontology is more focused on methodologies than beliefs.

Combining both provides a comprehensive perspective on knowledge. (correct)

Ontology and epistemology are viewed as independent concepts.

Ontology determines the research's outcome regardless of methods.

What is the primary question that epistemology seeks to address?

How do we acquire knowledge? Signup and view all the answers

What does methodology in research depend on?

The ontological and epistemological beliefs guiding the study. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method of knowledge acquisition based on sensory experience?

Empiricism Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reasoning involves deriving a general principle from specific observations?

Inductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical requirement for drawing conclusions through inductive reasoning?

A large number of observations Signup and view all the answers

What does deductive reasoning typically start with?

A hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

How does empirical knowledge typically reach a belief or rule?

From specific observations to general conclusions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is characteristic of rationalism?

Knowledge is based on deductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What can a hypothesis in deductive reasoning be characterized as?

Falsifiable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of acquiring knowledge mentioned?

Phenomenalism Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for a hypothesis to be falsifiable?

It must allow for making observations that contradict it. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the core idea of a research paradigm?

An established approach to research verified by the community over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options reflects the relativist perspective on truth?

Truth is only valid in specific contexts and varies by perspective. Signup and view all the answers

According to the realist perspective, how is truth viewed?

There is one absolute truth that does not change. Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded from a general principle using a logical argument?

It allows for specific conclusions to be drawn based on that principle. Signup and view all the answers

If a hypothesis is supported by observational statements, which of the following is true?

The hypothesis remains open to falsification. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the outlook of a person who holds a relativist ontology?

They assert that all knowledge is influenced by social factors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with a general statement leading to a specific conclusion?

The general statement has exceptions that contradict the conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

Which research paradigm posits that there is a single reality that can be measured?

Positivism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methodologies is most commonly associated with Constructivism/Interpretivism?

Qualitative research Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Pragmatism in research?

To solve problems using appropriate methods Signup and view all the answers

Which method is typically used in Positivist research?

Quantitative questionnaires Signup and view all the answers

In which research paradigm are realities considered to be multiple?

Interpretivism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is primarily associated with Pragmatism?

Mixed-methods Signup and view all the answers

What type of research is characterized as usually qualitative and involves understanding meanings?

Constructivism/Interpretivism Signup and view all the answers

Which example reflects a Positivist approach to research?

Effect of carbon dioxide concentrations on coral reefs growth Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Methods of Acquiring Knowledge

Two primary methods: Empiricism and Rationalism.
Empiricism: Knowledge gained through sensory experience using inductive reasoning.
Rationalism: Knowledge gained via reasoning, using deductive reasoning.

Inductive Reasoning (Empiricist’s Approach)

Based on deriving general principles from specific observations.
Commonly practiced in everyday life; conclusions formed from experiences are generalized.
Important to make numerous observations under various circumstances before drawing conclusions.

Deductive Reasoning (Rationalist’s Approach)

Begins with a hypothesis that is falsifiable.
A general statement leads to a specific conclusion through logical argumentation.
Example: If all living things eventually die and the specific case is a living thing, then it will also eventually die.

Research Paradigms

Defined as a set of common beliefs among scientists regarding problem understanding and addressing.
Represents a verified approach to conducting research that has established validity over time.

Key Questions in Research Paradigm

Ontology: What constitutes reality?
- Realist: Believes in a single absolute truth.
- Relativist: Acknowledges multiple realities that are socially constructed and context-dependent.
Epistemology: How is knowledge acquired?
- Distinction between ETIC (objective measurements) and EMIC (subjective interpretation of reality) approaches.
- ETIC: Emphasizes objective measurement and external observation of research.
- EMIC: Focuses on subjective understanding through interaction and interpretation.

Methodology

Refers to the strategies used to gain knowledge, influenced by ontological and epistemological beliefs.
Common methodologies include experimental, survey, phenomenological, action research, and grounded theory.

Types of Research Paradigms

Combining ontology and epistemology creates a holistic understanding of knowledge.
Main paradigms include:
- Positivism: Single reality measurable through scientific methods.
- Constructivism/Interpretivism: Multiple realities interpreted to discover underlying meanings.
- Pragmatism: Reality constantly negotiated, using whatever tools are best suited for problem-solving.

Detailed Comparisons

Positivism:
- Ontology: One reality/truth.
- Epistemology: Knowledge measurable through scientific methods.
- Methodology: Experimental and survey research, mainly quantitative.
Constructivism/Interpretivism:
- Ontology: Multiple realities exist.
- Epistemology: Knowledge needs interpretation for deeper understanding.
- Methodology: Ethnography, grounded theory, participant observation, primarily qualitative.
Pragmatism:
- Ontology: Reality is negotiated.
- Epistemology: Knowledge examined through suitable tools for problem-solving.
- Methodology: Mixed-methods, combining various approaches.

Examples of Research Applications

Positivism: Investigating carbon dioxide concentrations impact on coral reef growth.
Interpretivism: Examining the use and effectiveness of Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in Thailand, illustrating how and why it is utilized.

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Description

Explore the fundamental methods of acquiring knowledge through this quiz. Focused on empiricism and rationalism, it highlights how knowledge is gained via sensory experiences and logical reasoning. Test your understanding of these two critical paradigms in research.