Worldviews and research approaches

Question 1

Positivism / Post-Positivism

Answer 1

Positivists believed:

• (ontology) There is a stable, law-like reality ‘out there’.
• (epistemology) Meaning exists in the world. Knowledge reflects reality.
• who believe there’s one true reality that can be known
• Usually used quantitative research

Question 2

Critical Realism

Answer 2

Believed:

• (ontology) There is a stable, law-like reality ‘out there’ PLUS hidden structures and mechanisms that affect our perception of it.
• (epistemology) Meaning exists in the world. Knowledge is based on what can be observed, and ‘hidden’ structures and mechanisms can distort what is observed.
• who are concerned about hidden systems obscuring or distorting our view of reality
• Use both qualitative and quantitative research

Question 3

Social Construction

Answer 3

Believed:

• (ontology) There are multiple, emergent, shifting realities.
• (epistemology) Meaning exists in our interpretations of the world. Knowledge is interpretation.
• who think only interpretations of reality can be known
• Usually used qualitative research

Question 4

Pragmatism

Answer 4

Suggests that we should use the most appropriate approach for the question we want to answer.

Question 5

Ontology

Answer 5

A branch of philosophy that deals with the questions of existence itself.

From philosophical perspectives, ontology is:

• Synonymous with metaphysics but differs in its focus of “The meaning of existence”
• Concerned with what it means to “be”

Question 6

Epistemology

Answer 6

A branch of philosophy that explores:

• The nature
• Origin
• limits of knowledge
• justification of truth claims.

Epistemology is important as it examines how humans gain knowledge, learn as well as the field justifies its claim.

Question 7

Quantitative Research

Answer 7

Examines variables varying in quantity, size, magnitude and duration.

• Allows for statistical analysis and complex relationship analysis.

Allows for measuring and testing data, analysing complex mathematical modelling as well as making predictions about things like age and cardiovascular risk factors.

• Allows for the development of accurate predictions and understanding complex relationships.
• Objective and analyse large sets of data

Question 8

Qualitative Research

Answer 8

Involves careful observation, recording nuances, and analysing experiences through note taking, interviews, and thematic analysis.

• is more human, subjective and an interactive process compared to numbers.
• Better for understanding the meaning of someone’s experience.

Question 9

Mixed Methods Approach

Answer 9

When both quantitative and qualitative research is used.