Understanding Research Methodology
Research is the backbone of development in any profession, but navigating the procedures and conceptual frameworks that underpin it may be difficult. Here's an explanation of crucial terms:
Method
The method is, at its core, the specific approach utilized to conduct research. It is the sequence of steps taken to collect data, run experiments, or analyze data. Surveys, experiments, and interviews, for example, are all distinct types of research procedures.
Methodology
The underlying framework or approach that guides the procedures used is referred to as methodology. It is concerned with the rationale for picking a specific method, the justification, and the overall design of the research process. Approaches could be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method.
Epistemology
Epistemology is the study of the nature and scope of knowledge. It investigates topics such as how knowledge is obtained, what constitutes true knowledge, and the relationship between the knower and the known. Consider it comprehending the philosophy of knowledge.
Ontology
Ontology is the study of the nature of reality and existence. It aims to comprehend what exists, how entities exist, and how they interact with one another. It delves into the very essence of being.
Phenomenology
Edmund Husserl promoted phenomenology, which emphasizes human experience as the foundation of cognition. Rather than imposing external preconceptions, it stresses understanding things from the standpoint of persons experiencing them.
Axiology
Axiology investigates the origins of value. It investigates what we value, whether in ethics, aesthetics, or broader conceptions of worth. Understanding axiology aids in determining the importance and implications of study findings.
The Role of Phenomenology as an Example
Phenomenology, a qualitative research method, investigates experiences in order to comprehend a reality. For example, rather than simply calculating stress levels, studying how individuals experience stress can reveal significant insights into coping mechanisms and subjective experiences.
Conclusion
Understanding these fundamental philosophical notions is necessary for mastering research procedures. These frameworks dictate how research is conducted and evaluated, whether it's interpreting lived experiences in phenomenology or determining the nature of value in axiology.
Researchers obtain a more nuanced viewpoint by delving into these philosophical roots, expanding their methodologies and interpretations in the pursuit of knowledge.
Additional Resources for Understanding
Referencing lectures, books, or internet resources (such as Heidegger's Being and Time and David James' insights) can help you appreciate these concepts more thoroughly.
To watch the complete lecture titled Heideggar: Being and Time, delivered by Dr Michael Sugrue. Click the links below
David James: How to get clear about method, methodology, epistemology and ontology, once and for all
