How do we know what we know? Flashcards
What is ontology?
This is the philosophical study of the nature of being, becoming, existing or reality
Concerns our assumptions about the nature of reality - what does it mean to be a human being at this time
What is epistemology?
The theory of knowledge - the study of how we know what we know
What is axiology?
The study of nature and valuation - determining what is valuable
What is the deductive approach to research?
A theory and a hypothesis are put forward - they are then tested
This is often applied to positivism
What is the inductive approach to research?
A theory is developed as a result of collecting data
This is often applied to interpretivism
Describe the deductive approach to research
Theory to data - scientific principles
Collection of quantitative data
Uses controls to ensure the validity of the data
Highly structured
Researcher independence
Large samples are used to allow generalisation
Describe the inductive approach to research
Collection of qualitative data
More flexible structure - permit changes to research emphasis as the research progresses
Less concern with the need of generalisation
What are the two different types of ontology and how do they differ?
Objectivism/realism - the social world is objective, out there and is independent of us, who perceive it
Subjectivism/idealism/constructionism - the social world is constructed by us - constructions are built up from the perceptions and actions of social actors
What is positivism?
Type of epistomology
The application of empiricist natural science to the study of society - reality is only understood through scientific approach
I.e. philosophical system recognising only that which can be scientifically verified or is capable of logical or mathematical proof
What is interpretivism?
Type of episotomology - contrasts positivism
Argues that people and institutes are different from material objects and the natural world and therefore require a different approach to be understood
People are ‘social actors’
What is reflexivity?
This is the idea that a person’s thoughts and ideas tend to be inherently biased - the values and thoughts of the individual will be represented in their work
Should recognised and acknowledge that research cannot be ‘objective’ and value-free - should be self-reflective about how our values influence the research process and products
What are the three components of adherence?
Persistence - the length of time the patient fills his/her prescriptions
Initiation adherence - if the patient starts with the intended treatment
Execution adherence - the comparison between the prescribed drug dosing regimen and the real patient’s drug-taking behaviour
What is concordance?
A process of the consultation in which prescribing is based on partnership
The healthcare professional recognises the importance of the patient’s opinion and values on taking a medication and certain dosage
What are the different types of non-adherence?
Unintentional - e.g. due to forgetfulness
Intentional - based on the patients decision - patient seems to make a benefit-risk analysis weighing the perceived risks of the treatment agains the perceived benefits
