Epistemology Of Qualitative Methodology

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Method and methodology The qualitative and quantitative methodologies derive from their respective scientific philosophy or paradigm. Each paradigm has its own ontology and epistemology. The ontological position states how the paradigm perceives the reality and the epistemology is concerned with the nature of and the scope of knowledge (Slevitch, 2011). This, the logic of justification, not only differs between the qualitative and quantitative paradigm but is opposites (ibid). The ontology of the quantitative paradigm states that there is an objective reality and that the ultimate truth exists whereas, the ontology of the qualitative paradigm states that reality depends on one’s interpretations. Furthermore, the epistemology of the quantitative…show more content…
The author chooses the paradigm that best cohere with his or her personal beliefs and worldview. (Slevitch, 2011) Methodology, as stated above, is defined by its ontology and epistemology (Slevitch, 2011). Guba, (cited by Slevitch, 2011) states that methodology is a theoretical and philosophical system that structures the way research is conducted. This means that methodology is the theoretical classifications by which the research is directed. The purpose of methodology is to let the reader know in what context the author operates which will influence the interpretations of the result. Methods, on the other hand, constitutes of a set of tool used in the collection of data and relates to methodology in the sense that methods are determined by methodology (Slevitch, 2011). The research question should also influence the choice of methods since there probably is a favorable way to procure data in that particular setting. Because of their differences, each methodology favor different methods respectively. However, this does not mean that qualitative study cannot use classic quantitative methods or vice versa…show more content…
The choice of method should be grounded in the research question; what data is needed and what method is best suited to procure that data? Since quantitative paradigm originates from objectivity and generalization the methods are grounded in statistical analysis (Slevitch, 2011). This includes techniques such as inferential statistics, hypothesis testing and mathematical analysis among others. The qualitative paradigm, which instead is of an interpretative nature, uses methods such as hermeneutics, ethnography, phenomenology and case studies (Hellström cited by Slevitch, 2011), which includes techniques as observations, in-depth and focus group interviews, among others (Slevitch, 2011). Examples of from causal effects, the aim of scientific investigation is to measure and analyse causal relationships (Slevitch). Guba and Lincoln argue that investigations of objective reality phenomena can be conducted in terms of generalizable causal effects (cited by Slevitch). Therefore, the aim of a scientific investigation is to measure and analyse causal relationships in a value-free setting with the purpose to

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