RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Philosophy Guide: Positivism, Interpretivism, Pragmatism & Critical Realism.
Understand what research philosophy means, how philosophical assumptions influence research design and how major research philosophies can shape methodological decisions.
RESEARCH DESIGN
What is research philosophy?
Research philosophy refers to the assumptions and perspectives that influence how a researcher understands reality, knowledge and the process of producing evidence. These assumptions can influence the way a research problem is approached and how data is collected and interpreted.
Research philosophy is therefore connected to the broader methodology of a study. Understanding the philosophical foundations of research can help explain why particular approaches and methods are appropriate for a particular research question.
FOUNDATIONS
Ontology and epistemology
Two important concepts in understanding research philosophy are ontology and epistemology.
Ontology
Ontology concerns assumptions about reality and what exists. Researchers may hold different views about whether reality is objective and independent of people or whether it is shaped by human interpretation and social context.
Epistemology
Epistemology concerns knowledge and how researchers understand what can be known. It considers questions about how knowledge is produced, justified and evaluated as evidence.
EXPLORE
Major Research Philosophies
Explore some of the research philosophies commonly discussed in academic research methodology.
Ontology
Explore assumptions about reality and what can be considered real within a research study.
Detailed guide coming soon →
Epistemology
Understand assumptions about knowledge, how knowledge can be acquired and what can be accepted as valid evidence.
Detailed guide coming soon →
Positivism
Learn about a research philosophy commonly associated with observable evidence, measurement and structured empirical investigation.
Detailed guide coming soon →
Interpretivism
Explore an approach focused on understanding meanings, experiences and how people interpret their social or organisational environment.
Detailed guide coming soon →
Pragmatism
Understand how research questions and practical outcomes can influence methodological choices and the use of different forms of evidence.
Detailed guide coming soon →
Critical Realism
Explore the distinction between observable events and the underlying mechanisms or structures that may contribute to them.
Detailed guide coming soon →
METHODOLOGICAL DECISION
How do you choose a research philosophy?
A research philosophy should be considered in relation to the research problem, questions, objectives and the type of knowledge the study is seeking to develop. The choice should support a coherent research design rather than being selected simply because a particular philosophy is commonly used in a discipline.
Researchers should be able to explain the reasoning behind their philosophical position and show how it connects with their research approach, methods and analysis.
CONNECTING THE RESEARCH DESIGN
From philosophy to research methods
Research philosophy is one part of a wider methodological decision-making process. A coherent research design connects philosophical assumptions with the research approach, methods, data collection and analysis.
RELATED GUIDE
Research Methodology Guide
Explore the wider research methodology process, including research approaches, qualitative and quantitative methods, sampling, data collection and data analysis.
Research Methodology Guide →RELATED GUIDE
Research Questions Guide
Understand how research questions are developed and how they connect the research problem, objectives and methodological decisions.
Research Questions Guide →Need help with your research?
Explore My Assignment Buddies for professional academic and technical assistance.
Explore Our Services