Divisions of Epistemology - Positivism, Realism and Interpretivism - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages Research is an activity that is intended to solve a question or set of questions. (Ghauri & Gronhaug, 2005). Therefore, research needs to be executed systematically with proper planning. Saunders et al. (2007) perceive research as an onion with different layers (figure 3.1). As per the research onion, the five layers of research are Research philosophy, research approach, research strategy, time horizon, and data collection (Saunders et al., 2007).

3.2 RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY
Research philosophy refers to the methodology and strategies used by the researcher based on the researcher’s assumptions. Saunders et al. (2007) state that a research philosophy is related to the nature and development of knowledge. Thus, a research philosophy is mostly based on the researcher’s perception of knowledge and its development. A research process is influenced by three major thinking of research philosophy which is axiology, ontology, and epistemology. Axiology is the frame reference for scientific ethics (Edwards, 1995). As mentioned, axiology forms the study of the ethical part, that is, values and principles by using mathematical proof.

Ontology is about the behavior of social entities. Ontology is regarded with the nature of social entities, where it possesses the question of whether social entities can and should be considered objective entities that have a reality external to the social actors, or whether they can and should be considered social constructions build up from the perceptions and actions of social actors (Bryman & Bell, 2007). The two main theories of ontology are objectivism and constructionism. The third thinking Epistemology explains knowledge. It raises the question as to what should be considered as the perfect knowledge in a discipline. (Bryman & Bell, 2007). Epistemology ensures whether an area of study is worth the research. (Gill & Johnson, 2010). The three research divisions of Epistemology are positivism, realism, and interpretivism.

3.2.1 Positivism
Positivism could be considered an epistemological position that supports the application of the methods to learning a social reality and beyond (Bryman & Bell, 2007). Checkland (1999) explains that positivism is a method for procuring knowledge that can be tested publicly with rational thinking supported by observation and experimentation tools. ...Download file to see next pages Read More

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