The 'What' and 'How' of Research: Decoding Ontology and Epistemology
In short: For graduate students, these terms often feel like impenetrable jargon. Dr. Elizabeth Yardley uses practical metaphors to strip away the complexity, helping you identify the underlying assumptions that shape your entire research project.
Ontology addresses the 'what' question: what is being observed in the social world? The video contrasts two primary perspectives: realism, which views the social world as a stable, pre-existing structure like a hotel, and social constructivism, which sees it as a dynamic home continuously shaped by its inhabitants.
Epistemology addresses the 'how' question: how do we make sense of that world? It explores the positivist approach—seeking to identify causes similar to the natural sciences—versus the interpretive stance, which prioritizes understanding meanings within participant-driven contexts. Mastering these distinctions is essential for moving beyond academic jargon to clear research thinking.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Ontology and epistemology explained, a simple guide for PhD and masters degree research students
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