The concepts of epistemology and ontology

Running Head: METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES
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Methodological Approaches
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METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES
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Abstract
As most students start their journey towards writing a report, they get confused about
which approach to take, which research design to use, or even the best possible methodology
approach. For you to select the best methodology for your research, you need first to understand
the concepts of epistemology and ontology (Wagner, 2019 p. 252). The two are assumptions of
philosophy and are the basis of every research that is conducted by postgraduates. Ontology
research focuses on the things that exist in society and how they exist (Veal, 2017 p.20). It deals
with their social life, cultural life, and how they relate to one another. Epistemology, on the other
hand, focuses on knowledge about the world. Researches that focus on knowing more about the
world are epistemological in philosophy.
The paper will also focus on the types of methodological approaches to research. Some
people consider themselves qualitative researchers, while others are quantitative researchers. A
lot of others can deal with both quantitative and qualitative research or research that combines
both methods (Patton, 2017 p. 342). The choice of the methodology type depends on a number of
factors, including the purpose or aims that the research wants to attain. Some researches work
better with numbers, while others require emotions and words to explain how much or how
many. Ethical consideration is also a factor considered when selecting the type of method to be
used in research. Each of these methods has its strengths and its limitations. The research must
consider the pro and cons of the methodology before using it to do research.
Introduction

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES
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Both quantitative and qualitative methods of research are important, depending on the
type of research that is being carried out (Bryman, 2016 p.113). Whenever the research wants to
compare results in terms of numbers like the scores, then the best method to use is quantitative.
In the case of where you want to know the effects of a certain practice on a certain village, it will
be wiser to use a qualitative method of approach. Some researches will also need you to combine
both methods to quantify the level of quality.
Samples of research methodology types
Aims and objectives Strengths Limitations
Qualitative research
The aims are detailed
and complete. They
are descriptive to help
understand the
emotions of the
research and what
type of data to gather
on the field.
There are no
intentions or questions
asking for numbered
The method is good
when you need to
manage and simplify
data and don't want to
destroy the context of
the data.
It is better when
dealing with people
and their experiences
as your source of
information.
For this type of method
you have to go to the field
to ask the questions as you
are not collecting
numbers.
It takes more time as
analysis has to be done by
the research without the
use of formulas or
machines.