Ontology and epistemology Flashcards
Mastery
philosophical worldview
Ontology and epistemology
- Ontology is what
- In the context of scientific investigation, ontology…
Role of ontology in scientific investigation
a. Ontological assumptions help researchers…
b. Different ontological perspectives may lead to…
Influence on research methods and approaches
a. Researchers’ ontological beliefs can…
b. Ontological assumptions may also influence…
Definition and principles
1. Ontology is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of being, existence, and reality.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
Positivism:
Constructivism:
(Immaterialism George Berkeley, Michel Foucault…)
Advantages
a. Ontology provides a framework…
b. Explicitly acknowledging ontological assumptions can help researchers…
Limitations
a. Ontological debates can sometimes be…
b. Rigid adherence to a particular ontological perspective…
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 is a branch of philosophy concerned with…
- In the context of scientific investigation, epistemology focuses on…
Role of epistemology in scientific investigation
1. Guiding research design and methodology
a. Epistemological beliefs influence researchers’…..
b. Different epistemological perspectives may lead to different…
- Establishing criteria for evaluating knowledge claims
a. Epistemology helps researchers define the criteria for determining the…
b. It informs the development of standards for evaluating…
Definition and principles
1. Epistemology is a branch of philosophy concerned with the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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.
killing someone, positivist, never,
interpretivism, maybe if they are in pain
What is a theory
what is it comprised of and from where
Uses of theory
Theory can be used as a:
Framework…
Foundation…
Within quantitative approaches, theory is often used to guide the…
Within qualitative approaches,
theory may be used:
To inform…
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
* Experimentation
* Reflective thinking
Theory can be used as a:
Framework to guide research problems and questions
Foundation for connecting other frameworks
Within quantitative approaches, theory is often used to guide the entire research process
Within qualitative approaches, theory may be used:
To inform the research problem and purpose as an outcome of data gathering (e.g.,
grounded theory)
Definition of a model
Roles of models in Research
Model Development: what are they built on
a model is a simplified representation of a system or phenomenon that aids in understanding, prediction, and
decision-making.
Models help researchers understand complex phenomena, design studies, and generate hypothesis.
Models are built on existing knowledge and assumptions and can be refined as new info is obtained
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:
Model Limitations:
Models in Interdisciplinary Research:
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 vs Model
Theory: A detailed description that describes how a system may
function; a theory can incorporate models into the description
Model: An example case representation of function, can be a diagram,
mathematical equation, physical representation.
Types of Research in KNES
Qualitative:
* Measuring and comparing variables that do not have a straightforward numeric interpretation, compares ‘values, feelings, emotions, reactions…’
* Designs can be flexible
* Data collection is done in the natural
settings of the participants
Quantitative:
* Based on measurable, countable,
scalable, numbers or “quanta”
* Testing theories – check differences –
investigate relationships
* Hypothesis (likely outcomes)specified
before research starts
Mixed Method:
* Becoming increasingly common in Kinesiology related research
* Combination of quantitative and qualitative research best of both worlds
approach
