How does the concept of philosophical assumptions relate to qualitative research?

Sources: Jeff Brown, MBA – Literature Review Qualitative Research Methods and Assumptions, Research Paradigms and Philosophical Assumptions – An Introduction to Research Methods for Undergraduate Health Profession Students, Philosophical Assumptions for Qualitative Research – Ian Carnaghan

Qualitative research is a valuable approach for exploring and understanding complex social phenomena. It involves a deep exploration of human experiences, perspectives, and meanings. However, qualitative research is not devoid of theoretical underpinnings. Philosophical assumptions play a crucial role in shaping the overall framework and conduct of qualitative research. This article aims to explore the concept of philosophical assumptions and their relationship to qualitative research.

Philosophical Assumptions

Philosophical assumptions refer to the underlying beliefs and perspectives that researchers hold about the nature of reality, knowledge, and the role of the researcher in the research process. They form the foundation upon which qualitative research is built and guide researchers’ decision-making at every stage of the research journey.

Ontology

Ontology is a philosophical assumption that deals with the nature of reality. In qualitative research, researchers may adopt different ontological positions, such as constructivism or interpretivism. These positions acknowledge that reality is socially constructed and subjective, and emphasize the importance of understanding the social context in which individuals’ experiences occur.

Epistemology

Epistemology is another philosophical assumption that focuses on the nature of knowledge and how it can be acquired. In qualitative research, researchers often embrace a subjective and interpretive epistemology. They recognize that knowledge is co-constructed through interactions between the researcher and participants, and that the researcher’s subjectivity plays a vital role in interpreting and understanding the social world.

Axiology

Axiology refers to the values and ethics that researchers bring to their research. In qualitative research, researchers are often aware of their own values and biases and strive to be transparent and reflexive about their influence on the research process. They acknowledge the importance of ethical considerations and aim to ensure the well-being and confidentiality of participants.

Methodology

Methodology is the set of methods and procedures that researchers use to collect and analyze data. Philosophical assumptions guide the choice of research methods in qualitative research. For example, a researcher who adopts an interpretive ontology and subjective epistemology may choose methods such as interviews, observations, or document analysis to gain a deep understanding of the participants’ perspectives and experiences.

Conclusion

Philosophical assumptions form the theoretical foundation of qualitative research. They shape researchers’ perspectives on reality, knowledge, values, and methodology. Understanding and explicitly acknowledging these assumptions is essential for maintaining rigor and transparency in qualitative research. By recognizing the influence of philosophical assumptions, researchers can navigate the complexities of qualitative research and generate rich and meaningful insights into the social phenomena they investigate.

FAQs

What are philosophical assumptions in qualitative research?

Philosophical assumptions in qualitative research refer to the underlying beliefs and perspectives that researchers hold about the nature of reality, knowledge, and the role of the researcher in the research process. These assumptions shape the researcher’s worldview and guide their approach to qualitative research.

How do ontological assumptions relate to qualitative research?

Ontological assumptions in qualitative research pertain to the nature of reality. Researchers may adopt different ontological positions such as constructivism or interpretivism, which influence how they understand and interpret the social phenomena they study. These assumptions guide the researcher’s perspective on the nature of reality and the social context in which individuals’ experiences occur.

What is the role of epistemological assumptions in qualitative research?

Epistemological assumptions in qualitative research focus on the nature of knowledge and how it can be acquired. Qualitative researchers often embrace a subjective and interpretive epistemology. They recognize that knowledge is co-constructed through interactions between the researcher and participants, and that the researcher’s subjectivity plays a vital role in interpreting and understanding the social world.

How do axiological assumptions influence qualitative research?

Axiological assumptions in qualitative research relate to the values and ethics that researchers bring to their research. Qualitative researchers are conscious of their values and biases and strive to be transparent and reflexive about their impact on the research process. These assumptions guide researchers in ensuring ethical considerations and protecting the well-being and confidentiality of participants.

How do philosophical assumptions guide the choice of methodology in qualitative research?

Philosophical assumptions play a crucial role in guiding the choice of research methods in qualitative research. The researcher’s ontological and epistemological assumptions inform their selection of methods such as interviews, observations, or document analysis. These methods are chosen to gain a deep understanding of participants’ perspectives and experiences, aligning with the researcher’s philosophical stance.

How do philosophical assumptions enhance the rigor of qualitative research?

By explicitly acknowledging and addressing philosophical assumptions, qualitative researchers enhance the rigor of their research. Being aware of their ontological, epistemological, and axiological assumptions allows researchers to reflect on their biases, maintain transparency, and ensure ethical practices. It also helps establish a solid theoretical foundation, leading to more robust interpretations and meaningful insights into the social phenomena under investigation.

Can researchers hold different philosophical assumptions in qualitative research?

Yes, researchers can hold different philosophical assumptions in qualitative research. The choice of philosophical assumptions depends on the researcher’s perspective, research question, and the nature of the phenomenon being studied. It is important for researchers to clearly articulate their philosophical stance to ensure transparency and facilitate the interpretation and evaluation of their research findings.

How can researchers address potential biases arising from their philosophical assumptions in qualitative research?

Researchers can address potential biases arising from their philosophical assumptions by practicing reflexivity throughout the research process. Reflexivity involves critically reflecting on one’s own values, beliefs, and biases and how they may influence the research. By acknowledging and documenting their biases, researchers can take steps to mitigate their impact and ensure that the research process and findings remain as objective and unbiased as possible.