Ontology, Epistemology and Methodology Flashcards
What is ontology?
Beliefs around reality
Different research methods are founded on different beliefs
What are the two opposing types of ontology?
Realism and Relativism
4 points on realism
Quantitative
One trusts exists, doesn’t change
Can be discovered by using objective measurements
You then generalise based on the findings
4 points on relativism:
Qualitative
Multiple realities exist
Shaped b context
Truth exists and changes, may be used in similar contexts
What is Epistemology?
The relationship the researcher has with their research
What effects epistemology?
Ontology
Talk about realism and epistemology:
It is ETIC
Should be objective
outside the fishbowl
Talk about relativism and epistemology:
EMIC approach
Interaction is important
Inside the fishbowl
What is methodology?
How knowledge is discovered and analysed in a systematic way
What are methods?
Data gathering techniques
Talk about experimental studies:
Deductive approach to realism
ETIC epistemology
Theory - hypothesis - testing of Hypothesis through objective measures - the truth
Talk about phenomenological studies:
Exploring lived experiences
Relativist ontology
EMIC epistemology
Data is collected - patterns are spotted - ‘hypothesises are developed’ - theory is then deduced (inductive approach)
Remember, Ontology dictates…
Epistemology which dictates methodology which dictates methods
