L5 Ontology & Epistemology Lecture Notes PDF

KNES213 – Lecture 5 Ontology and Epistemology Free recall session… Take a moment and write down what you can remember from last class…  Why do I ask you to do this? Ebbinghous’s data from 1885, on spaced retrieval… This is also why I ask you questions in the presentation…...

KNES213 – Lecture 5 Ontology and Epistemology Free recall session… Take a moment and write down what you can remember from last class…  Why do I ask you to do this? Ebbinghous’s data from 1885, on spaced retrieval… This is also why I ask you questions in the presentation… The works of Hermann Ebbinghous as cited in: Murre, J. M., & Dros, J. (2015). Replication and analysis of Ebbinghaus’ forgetting curve. PloS one, 10(7), e0120644. Philosophy hierarchy Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Axiology Ontology Origin of Knowledge Cosmology Questions about Experience Ethics and Origins of the Aesthetics being and universe Reason existence Authority Intuition Foundations of Research Design Understanding How we acquire and nature of knowledge “reality”  Ontology Definition and principles 1. Ontology is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of being, existence, and reality. 2. In the context of scientific investigation, ontology is concerned with the assumptions and beliefs about the nature of the phenomena being studied, including their properties, relationships, and classifications. Role of ontology in scientific investigation 1. Framework for understanding and organizing knowledge a. Ontological assumptions help researchers conceptualize the phenomena under investigation and provide a basis for constructing theories and models. b. Different ontological perspectives may lead to different interpretations or explanations of the same phenomena. 2. Influence on research methods and approaches a. Researchers' ontological beliefs can affect the choice of research methods, the formulation of hypotheses, and the interpretation of results. b. Ontological assumptions may also influence the evaluation of evidence and the criteria for determining the validity or reliability of research findings. Examples of ontological perspectives Positivism: The belief that an objective reality exists independently of our perceptions or interpretations. (Auguste Comte, and Empiricism John Locke) Constructivism: The belief that reality is socially constructed and that our understanding of it is shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and social context. (Immaterialism George Berkeley, Michel Foucault…) Advantages a. Ontology provides a framework for understanding and organizing knowledge, guiding researchers in their investigation of phenomena. b. Explicitly acknowledging ontological assumptions can help researchers clarify their thinking and communicate their ideas more effectively. Limitations a. Ontological debates can sometimes be abstract or philosophical, with limited practical implications for scientific investigation. b. Rigid adherence to a particular ontological perspective can constrain researchers' thinking and limit the scope of their investigations.  Epistemology Definition and principles 1. Epistemology is a branch of philosophy concerned with the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge. 2. In the context of scientific investigation, epistemology focuses on the methods, criteria, and assumptions used to acquire, justify, and validate knowledge about the phenomena being studied. Role of epistemology in scientific investigation 1. Guiding research design and methodology a. Epistemological beliefs influence researchers' choices of research questions, methods, and data analysis techniques. b. Different epistemological perspectives may lead to different approaches to generating, evaluating, and interpreting evidence. 2. Establishing criteria for evaluating knowledge claims a. Epistemology helps researchers define the criteria for determining the validity, reliability, and generalizability of research findings. b. It informs the development of standards for evaluating the quality and rigor of scientific research. Examples of epistemological perspectives Positivism: The belief that knowledge can be acquired through direct observation and empirical methods, and that objective, verifiable facts can be discovered. Interpretivism: The belief that knowledge is context-dependent and that understanding the meaning and significance of phenomena requires interpreting the experiences, beliefs, and values of the people involved. Advantages a. Epistemology provides a framework for guiding research design and methodology, helping researchers make informed choices about how to investigate phenomena. b. It helps establish criteria for evaluating the quality, validity, and reliability of research findings. Limitations a. Epistemological debates can be abstract or philosophical and may not always have clear implications for the practical conduct of scientific investigation. b. Overemphasis on a particular epistemological perspective can limit researchers' openness to alternative approaches or methods of inquiry.  That’s awesome dude! Freakin’ genius thinking! I have already given you some examples of Ontological and Epistemological questions and perspectives, can you think of one or two examples on your own ? Give your self a couple of minutes before proceeding. Whoa, whoa! We’re gonna need a truckload more scrolls! Use of Theory (or model) A theory is an explanation of observed patterns or supposition about a relationship among phenomena * Theory is comprised of verifiable and testable statements or propositions, and is generally derived from: Observation * “String theory” is currently untestable as it Experimentation is not falsifiable.. Would Reflective thinking be better classified as a String postulate… Use of Theory, cont’d Framework to guide research problems and Theory can be used as a: questions Foundation for connecting other frameworks Within quantitative approaches, theory is often used to guide the entire research process Within qualitative approaches, To inform the research problem and purpose as an outcome of data gathering (e.g., theory may be used: grounded theory) Use of Theory, cont’d (qualitative)  Use of Models “All models are wrong, but some can be Mathematical: y= mx +b useful” ! George Box Conceptual: Computer: For every (i) Let a= (x *i) graph ( a, 26, b, 27) in Spudich, J. The myosin swinging cross-bridge model. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2, 387–392 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/35073086 Definition of Models In research, a model is a simplified representation of a system or phenomenon that aids in understanding, prediction, and decision-making. In kinesiology, models can be physical, mathematical, or conceptual representations of the human body, a movement pattern, or a health behavior, among other things. The Role of Models in Research Models help researchers understand complex phenomena, generate hypotheses, design studies, and interpret results. In kinesiology, they can clarify injury mechanisms or optimize performance. Model Development: Models are built on existing knowledge and assumptions and can be refined as new information is acquired. In kinesiology, models of movements like gait are developed based on observations and measurements. Models in Kinesiology Research Kinesiology models are used to predict outcomes, test interventions, and comprehend complex phenomena. Examples include biomechanical models predicting orthotic device effects or social-ecological models to understand physical activity behavior. Model Evaluation: Models are assessed based on usefulness, accuracy, and simplicity. In kinesiology, evaluations consider criteria such as predictive accuracy and consistency with empirical data. Model Limitations: Models are simplifications of reality and inherently have limitations. It's crucial to acknowledge these limitations when using models in kinesiology research. Models in Interdisciplinary Research: Models facilitate interdisciplinary understanding and collaboration in kinesiology research by integrating knowledge from various fields, such as psychology, sociology, and physiology. Theory vs Model Theory: A detailed description that describes how a system may function; a theory can incorporate models into the description, but the models are only a component representation. The theory is a larger over arching explanation of action / function. Model: An example case representation of function, can be a diagram, mathematical equation, physical representation. Following a process through a model creates a simulated response. Models are usually part of a theory that describe action within it. Note* if a model is “perfect”, it is no longer a model, but the actual system represented. !  More theory vs model The theory of planned behaviour “The theory maintains that three core components, namely, attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, together shape an individual's behavioral intentions. In turn, a tenet of TPB is that behavioral intention is the most proximal determinant of human social behavior.” Theory Model of how the theory works. Wikipedia contributors. (2022, August 14). Theory of planned behavior. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:32, September 16, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Theory_of_planned_behavior&oldid=110 4331849 By Robert Orzanna - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42261999 More theory vs model Isaac Newton was the first to develop a quantitative theory of gravity, holding that the force of attraction between two bodies is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. -> Theory of quantitative gravity 𝑚1 𝑚2 Model of quantitative gravity: 𝐹 = 𝐺 𝑟2  So can you think of one or two “Models” on your own? Try to produce at least two in each category before resuming the lecture. It will be fun they said… Perspective from the outside world… Comment from a Data Scientist… Tech companies are making a model of you! Be very careful here, world view, perspective, guiding philosophy…. Don’t back yourselves into a logical trap! These are the shores where you anchor your boat! Will those shores weather all storms? Understand your axioms and be prepared to define / defend them. Cambridge Analytica “Once we understand how someone defines reality, we know how to manipulate them” Facebook, twitter, google… make money by selling your data 25 Thi s Photo by Unknown Author i s l icensed under CC BY-SA Can you… Identify Types of research within the faculty of Kinesiology Understand the Philosophical world views of those fields Describe areas of inquiry within our faculty (Kinesiology) (Basic) Types of research in Kinesiology… Qualitative research Quantitative research Mixed methods Love that AI spelling! Types of Research in Kinesiology… Qualitative: Measuring and comparing variables that do not have a straightforward numeric interpretation, compares ‘values, feelings, emotions, reactions…’ Designs can be emergent and flexible Data collection is done in the natural settings of the participants Researcher acknowledges that they are integral with research (acknowledges observation bias) Drs: Bridel, MacDonald, Din, more etc. not a complete list Types of Research in Kinesiology... Quantitative: Based on measurable, countable, scalable, numbers or “quanta” Testing theories – check differences – investigate relationships Hypothesis (likely outcomes)specified before research starts. Investigator attempts to remove themselves from the experiment (minimize bias) and make results generalizable Drs: Holash, Herzog, Kuo, Edwards, Wannop, Aboodara, MacInnis, more… etc.  Types of Research in Kinesiology cont.… combining strengths of systems. Mixed Methods: Becoming increasingly common in Kinesiology related research Combination of quantitative and qualitative research best of both worlds approach Drs: Culos-Reed, Paskavich, Holt (Dean) Two eyed seeing (no current examples in our faculty) Changing… Combining strengths of “western” knowledge and Indigenous knowledge Premised on respect, reflection, and co-learning https://kinesiology.ucalgary.ca/research/faculty-members 30  Faculty of Kinesiology Research Themes Biomechanics and Motor Control Movement Science and Musculoskeletal Health Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Quantitative Exercise Physiology Injury Prevention, Osteoarthritis and Qualitative Research Methods Sport Medicine & Injury and Nutrition in Health and Sport Platforms Rehabilitation Chronic Illness Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Youth Sport &Recreation Performance Psychosocial Concussion Aspects of Health other other and Sport Health and Sport Psychology, Pedagogy and Sociology in Sport Chronic Illness Performance other Knowledge Translation  Research themes Kinesiology ! Directly from the Kinesiology strategic research themes 1. Movement Science and Musculoskeletal Health 2. Injury Prevention, Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation 3. Exercise Physiology and Nutrition in Health and Sport 4. Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Sport 32 Day