Research Terminology: Definitions and Distinctions
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Research Terminology: Definitions and Distinctions
As you begin your research process, you will come across new terms and concepts that seem unique to research—in fact, they may seem like another language. When learning a new language, reference materials, such as a dictionary or grammar book, are always important to have close at hand. The Walden Library provides a helpful reference tool called The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods to guide you through the language acquisition of research terminology and concepts. (While encyclopedias are useful in certain instances such as this, it is important to remember that citing them in your coursework, KAMs, dissertations, or thesis is not appropriate.) In this Discussion, you will use this resource, along with your text and video segments, to work with the philosophies of science and research approaches.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review the following terms in The SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods: paradigm, epistemology, and ontology.
Review Creswell’s definitions of worldview, paradigms, epistemologies, and ontologies on page 6 of the course text, Research Design.
Review the definitions that Dr. Patton offers for epistemology and ontology in the “Research Design” media segment.
Determine how you would define these terms: philosophy of science, paradigm, epistemology, ontology. Note that defining philosophy of science is different from asking you about your personal philosophy of your discipline, such as your philosophy of education, or your philosophy of management.
Consider the difference between these terms. Why is it important for a researcher to be familiar with these terms?
SAMPLE ANSWER
Introduction
The terms philosophy of science, paradigm, epistemology, and ontology are used to describe the different guidelines used in scientific research. It is subjective to understand what knowledge is and how to discover it. It is necessary for a person conducting research to understand the underlying assumptions, relation to the methodology used as well as to the research findings. It will help the researcher or reader to understand and improve their comprehension of the research, application of the theory and engagement of any academic related debate (Lewis-Beck, Bryman & Liao, 2013).
Definition of terms
A paradigm is a model or an established way of doing things. It consists of epistemology, ontology and methodology and how they relate to each other. Epistemology is the theory of knowledge. It deals with the nature and the different forms of knowledge and how it can be created, acquired and communicated (Lewis-Beck, Bryman & Liao, 2013).
Ontology is mainly concerned with what is the reality of things and what nature is all about. It helps the researcher to have a perception of how things are and how they work. Philosophy of science is the branch of science that deals with exploration and understanding of the nature of science. It examines ontology and epidemiology, their basis and how they help in expanding a researcher’s knowledge and the implications of research findings (Patton, 2008).
Importance to a Researcher
The following terms are important to the researcher as they contribute to his perspective, standpoint, theories and beliefs. It guides the researcher to form a framework that builds his research and communication (Creswell, 2009). They further help a researcher to understand and grasp the concept of other researchers and their perspective.
References
Creswell, J. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications http://psycnet.apa.org/record/2008-13604-000
Lewis-Beck, M., Bryman, A., & Liao, T. F. (2013). Encyclopedia of Social Science Research
Methods.
Patton, M. Q. (2008). Research Design: A Framework of Design. Sage.
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