Week 2

Question 1

What is ontology?

Answer 1

The study of “being” and what exists. Also how we go about categorizing things

Question 2

What is epistemology?

Answer 2

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with knowledge and how knowledge is gained.

Question 3

What is a methodology?

Answer 3

A methodology is a means of conducting research. E.g participant observation

Question 4

What is a paradigm?

Answer 4

A paradigm is a framework that informs your research project.

Question 5

What are the four components of a paradigm?

Answer 5

The four components of a paradigm are ontology, epistemology, methodology and methods.

Question 6

What are some of the choices in choosing a research method.

Answer 6

Methodological skill, department, discipline, and research aims.

Question 7

What is Positivism

Answer 7

Type of Paradigm: Society can and should be studied empirically, scientifically, and objectively: Deductive

Question 8

What is Interpretivism

Answer 8

Type of Paradigm: Focus on individual humans and how people interpret social roles in a relationship. How they give meaning to those roles.

Question 9

What is Social Constructionism

Answer 9

Type of Paradigm: Truth is everchanging in a social context and interactions frame our realities. Social norms shape what we consider to be “truth”.

Question 10

What is a Critical Paradigm

Answer 10

Type of Paradigm: Focuses on the main goal of social change in mind by challenging power structures. Focus on power and inequality.

Question 11

What is Postmodernism Paradigm

Answer 11

Truth in any form may or may not be knowable.