Not everyone shares the same understanding of reality or the shares the same beliefs on knowledge and how humans acquire knowledge. As such, it’s important that as researchers we reflect on our beliefs and be aware of the common ontological and epistemological perspectives because these perspectives fundamentally impact what is researched and how research is conducted.

Ontology and Epistemology in Research
Ontology and epistemology are fundamental philosophical concepts that underpin the research process. They provide a framework for understanding the nature of reality and how we can acquire knowledge about it.

Ontology: The Study of Being

What is ontology? Ontology is the philosophical study of existence or being. It deals with questions about what is real, what exists, and what the fundamental categories of existence are. In research, ontology addresses the nature of reality being studied.

Why does it matter in research? Ontological assumptions influence the research questions we ask, the methods we choose, and how we interpret our findings. For example, if we believe reality is objective and measurable (objectivism), we might choose quantitative methods. If we believe reality is subjective and socially constructed (constructivism), we might choose qualitative methods.

Epistemology: The Theory of Knowledge

What is epistemology? Epistemology is the study of knowledge. It explores questions about how we know what we know, the nature of knowledge, and the justification of beliefs. In research, epistemology addresses how we can acquire valid and reliable knowledge about the world.

Why does it matter in research? Epistemological assumptions guide our choice of research methods and how we evaluate the credibility of our findings. For example, if we believe knowledge is gained through empirical observation (empiricism), we might prioritize experiments and surveys. If we believe knowledge is gained through social interaction and interpretation (interpretivism), we might prioritize interviews and participant observation.
The interplay between ontology and epistemology shapes our research approach. Our ontological assumptions about the nature of reality influence our epistemological assumptions about how we can know it. For example, if we believe reality is objective, we might assume that knowledge can be gained through unbiased observation and measurement.

Understanding the philosophical underpinnings of ontology and epistemology is crucial for conducting rigorous and meaningful research. By explicitly considering our assumptions about the nature of reality and how we can know it, we can make informed choices about our research methods and interpret our findings with greater confidence.