L1 - Introduction

Question 1

Ontology

Saunders et al.

Answer 1

The study of the real world. We want to know what is real.

Ex. If you drop a hammer on your toe, you don’t think of why this hurt, you think of real pain.

Question 2

Epistemology

Saunders et al.

Answer 2

The study on how knowledge is produced/created. How do we know the things we know?

Ex. If someone states that this plant has a pretty leaf, you begin to question how this person knows that this is a pretty leaf? What is a pretty leaf?

Question 3

Mention the 5 philosophies/Paradigms

Saunders et al.

Answer 3

Positivism

Critical realism

Interpretivism

Postmodernism (Not used)

Pragmatism

Question 4

Positivism

Saunders et al.

Answer 4

There is only one reality and you mainly work with objects that can be measured. Positivism sets out to predict and control reality.

Ontology view: There is one true reality called universalism. Reality is real, external, independent

Epistemology view: Focus is on discovering observable and measurable facts and regularities. Only phenomena that can be observed and measured will lead to the production of trustworthy data

Question 5

Critical realism

Saunders et. al

Answer 5

In general: Seeks to explain what we see and experience, in terms of the underlying structures of reality that shape the observable events.

Ontology view: Critical realists see reality as external and independent, but not directly accessible through our observations and knowledge of it.

Epistemology view: Facts are social constructions agreed on by people rather than existing independently

–> Iceberg

Question 6

Interpretivism

Saunders et. al.

Answer 6

In general: Emphasizes that humans are different from physical phenomena because they create meanings. Intepretivists study these meanings. Acknowledges e.g. cultural backgrounds

Question 7

Pragmatism

Saunders eet. al.

Answer 7

In general: Concepts are only relevant where they support action. Research starts with a problem and aims to contribute practical solutions that inform future practice.

(problem solving) –> Action research

Question 8

Action Research

Answer 8

Interventions in organizations and society. Every time you do research that wants to intervene something.

Question 9

Design Research

Answer 9

Focus on building artefacts e.g. IS, business models etc.

3 domains;

• Environment: practice and people
• Knowledge base: theories and foundation
• Is research: wants to combine the two other domains

Question 10

The research onion

Answer 10

Focus on the data collection and data analysis

• How is your data going to be gathered? (cross-section or longitudinal)
• Your strategy (survey, case study, action research etc)
• Methodological choice (mixed methods etc.)
• Theory development (deduction, abduction, induction)
• Philosophy/paradigm (positivism, pragmatism etc)

Question 11

Abduction

Answer 11

When you are collecting data to explore a phenomenon, identify themes and explain patterns, to generate a new or modify an existing theory which you subsequently test through additional data collection, you are using an abductive approach.

Move back and forth from deduction to induction - There need to be a spiral movement