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research philosophy - Coggle Diagram

- - - - one truth exists
      - it doesn't change
      - truth can be discovered by using objective measurements
      - generalise it to other situations
    - - multiple realities exist
      - shaped by context, as it depends on the meaning one attaches to the truth
      - truth evolves and changes
      - truth can't be generalised but may be used in similar context
      - truth is created by meanings and experiences
  - - - phenomena understood based on observable and stable characteristics.
    - - phenomena might take on a set of interpretations meaningful to the observer.
- - - - assumes that there are social facts with an objective reality apart from the beliefs of individual, knowledge is only of significance if it is based on observation of this external reality.
      - Characteristics
        
        Empiricist pov, use of the scientific approach
        
        Reality should be observable, measurable, quantified, and hence generalisable
        
        Positivism fits within a realist ontology
        
        High reliability
        
        ETIC approach: researchers should take a hands-off approach, do not interfere with the reality, they should look at it from the outside.
    - - assumes that it is necessary for the researchers to understand differences between humans in our role as social actors.
      - characteristics
        
        Reality does not exist by itself. Reality is subjective, constructed and given meaning by people
        
        Goal --> understand why people act like they do in particular contexts, to gain insights into the meaning of their experiences
        
        Phenomenology --> pure meaning of a phenomenon
        
        relating an interpretation of a lived experience to a relevant context.
        
        analyse the form of experience.
        
        To understand the experience of something, researchers need to feel empathy for their subjects.
        
        Perspective of the world through the researcher's eyes.
        
        Interpretivism fits better with a relativist ontology.
        
        EMIC approach: to know reality, researchers should go deep, interact with people, to understand people's feelings, beliefs and thoughts, and how these are communicated.
- - - - usually start with a theory and then prove whether it is false or not (falsify) --> deductive approach
      - Drawbacks
        
        some things can't be measured accurately
        
        neglect the agency of individuals
        
        overlooks fluid or diverse aspects in contemporary society
        
        can tell a version of the truth
      - Sources
        
        non-participant observation
        
        large-scale surveys (Eurobarometer)
        
        Statistics
        
        Experiments (lab, field...)
    - - Qualitative data is more subjective.
      - Research is high in validity (tells us why something happens)
      - Researchers can give voice to those overlooked in society
      - No need to rely on large sample sizes
      - Broad question
      - They look for patterns, then they build theory rather than starting with one --> inductive approach
      - Drawbacks
        
        cannot be replicated --> low reliability
        
        can't be generalised to a wider population
        
        cannot give definite answers
        
        very subjective (sources and researcher's perspective)
        
        ethical issues may be more problematic
      - Sources
        
        interviews
        
        focus groups
        
        secondary data (media report, diaries)
        
        direct observations
        
        ethnography
- - - - Researchers uses post positivist claims for developing knowledge (cause/effect thinking, reduction to specific variables and hypotheses)
      - Strategies are experiments and surveys, predetermined instruments in data collection that produce statistical data.
      - Emphasises quantification in the collection and analysis of data.
    - - Strategies involve inquiry such as narratives, phenomenologies, ethnographies or case studies.
      - Emphasises words rather than quantification in the collection and analysis of data.
      - Researchers makes knowledge claims based on constructivist perspective.
  - - - theory
        
        hypothesis
        
        data collection
        
        findings
        
        hypothesis confirmed or rejected
        
        revision of theory
    - - observation
        
        data collection
        
        patterns
        
        context
        
        interpretation
        
        theory