Research Methods Flashcards
What is the goal of Empirical/Positivistic research?
To explain the world and find objective truths using scientific methods.
What is the goal of Interpretive research?
To understand how humans co-create reality through meaning and communication.
What is the goal of Critical research?
To critique power structures and seek social change.
What does Ontology study?
The nature of reality (What is real?).
What does Epistemology study?
The methods of knowledge (How do we know what we know?).
What does Axiology study?
The role of values in research.
In Empirical/Positivistic research, what does Ontology say about reality?
Laws exist and restrict choice (Reality is fixed and measurable).
In Interpretive research, what does Ontology say about reality?
Reality is co-created through human interaction and free choice.
In Critical research, what does Ontology say about reality?
Reality is shaped by power and oppression.
In Empirical/Positivistic research, how is knowledge (Epistemology) studied?
Theory first, then controlled research (scientific method).
In Interpretive research, how is knowledge (Epistemology) studied?
Research first, then theory (case studies, observations).
In Critical research, how is knowledge (Epistemology) studied?
Critique power in systems and seek social change.
How does Axiology (values) apply to Empirical/Positivistic research?
It reduces the role of researcher values (tries to stay objective).
How does Axiology (values) apply to Interpretive research?
It acknowledges researcher values.
How does Axiology (values) apply to Critical research?
It celebrates researcher values (values are important for change).
