Research Philosophy: Exploring Ontological and Epistemological Issues

This report delves into the realm of research philosophy, specifically within the context of social sciences. It begins by introducing the core concepts and importance of understanding research philosophy, highlighting its impact on research methods and data analysis. The report explores key philosophical debates, including positivism and interpretivism, and examines the variety of philosophies in social sciences, comparing and contrasting approaches such as positivism, realism, interpretivism, and pragmatism based on ontology, epistemology, and data collection methods. The report then critically reflects on ontological and epistemological issues within a research project focused on the psychological factors influencing consumer buying behavior. The report also touches on selecting appropriate philosophical approaches for PhD projects and emphasizes the importance of collaborative work and clear writing in conveying philosophical concepts. The report concludes by summarizing the application of these philosophical approaches in the context of social science research.

Research Philosophy
1

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY.......................................................................................................................................3
1. Explaining key philosophical debates in the social sciences.......................................................3
2. Appreciate the variety of philosophies in the social sciences and similarities, differences and
connections between the various approaches..................................................................................4
3. Critically reflection on the ontological and epistemological issues of a research project...........6
4. Select an appropriate philosophical approach for the PhD project and justify that selection.....7
5. Work collaboratively and lead seminar discussions....................................................................8
6. Write about philosophical approaches in the social sciences in a concise and clear manner......9
7. Identify how ontological and epistemological claims feed through into the methodology of
social science research...................................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................12
2

INTRODUCTION
Research philosophy is a wide topic that use by the researchers to understand the research
topic in deep manner. It contains nature, sources and development of knowledge after study of
subject. This reflects the essential assumptions takes by the scholars at the time of formulation of
research strategies (Creswell, 2013). The selection of the research philosophy affects the practical
implications. It defines as the development of knowledge and its nature with in-depth study of the
topic. In the other words, it can be stated that the exact things, every researcher is doing at the time
of carrying out an investigation. This process helps the scholar to develop the knowledge towards
the selected research area. From the studies, it has found that there are several reasons determine
which shows that why researchers needs to understand research philosophy during conducting an
investigation (Ball, 2013). First reason is by understanding this; the scholar may define and clarify
the research methods that are going to be used in the research. On the basis of this, it becomes easy
to collect the important information about the study and answer the research questions.
Second reason of having the good knowledge of research philosophy is to follows essential
views that should be considered at the time of perform the analysis. This thing makes the
investigation more creative and exploratory in terms of the nature (Mary Converse, 2012). In the
social science, there is an ongoing debate that is the most appropriate point of view from the view
point of positivism and interpretivism research philosophy. By considering the aim, objectives,
research questions and nature of the study, the researchers take the decisions in the direction of
selection of right research philosophy in order to carry out an investigation on social science topic
(Speziale, Streuber and Carpenter, 2011). The present study is based on research philosophy in
which a research project is taking into the consideration where the selected research philosophy will
be interpretivism. Objectives that will cover under the current research are variety of philosophies
in the social sciences, ontological and epistemological issues, selection of appropriate philosophical
approach for the PhD project etc.
MAIN BODY
1. Explaining key philosophical debates in the social sciences
The social science can be defined as scientific study of human society and social terms. It is
key field of academic disciplines related with the society and the terms among people residing in
society (Coghlan and Coughlan, 2010). The social science philosophy can be represented generally
as having two purpose. Basically, it want to bring forth a logical building of social science. It imply
explaining the philosophical anticipations that support the activity of social research, just as the
3

doctrine of natural science look for to lay meagre the methodological and ontological presume that
direct scientific enquiry of natural phenomena. Second, the belief of social science attempts to
critical review the social sciences with the intention of intensify their knowledge to justify the social
universe or else modify our apprehension of it. Therefore, it can be stated that social science
philosophy is both descriptive and prescriptive (Hooker, 2012). Further, it considers a wide range of
interconnected inquiry. Such as, ways of social science, tools that can be adopted to facilitate social
investigation, manner in which natural and social science are different. There are wide range of
debates that are done in the field of social science. The researchers argue on the aspect that whether
the social science study is needed or not? Also, it is determined how the ways considered suitable to
social inquiry in essence contrasting from those of natural science. Further, it is ascertained that
scientific study help in getting what kind of cognition (Bawarshi and Reiff, 2010). The social
science is broad field that involve economics, sociology, demography, geography and political
science. In broad terms, social science involve humanities like, anthropology, history, archaeology,
jurisprudence and linguistics. The major problem within social science is concerned does social
phenomena can be decreased to realism about people. The philosophical debates in social science
will help in addressing the manner in which social science as presently experienced intensify the
individual perception of the societal existence (Bechtel and Richardson, 2010). Thereafter, it is
ascertained that if social science falls minimal of the objectives of natural science, like discovery
law like regularities and foretelling the phenomena, it however may still develop precious
cognition. The majority of debaters are more concerned with the distinctions and similarities among
the social and natural science. The link between social phenomena is also argued mostly. The social
science were developed by the industrial revolution which is detailed as the highest change in the
history of manhood (Mokrzycki, 2013). The philosophy of social science help in addressing various
questions. It further help in knowing naturalism and the wholeness of scientific methods. The
naturalism is another aspect that is based on the assumption that only natural laws and forces
functions in the world. They are the methods that regulate the structure and conduct of the natural
universe that is modifying at every step as result of such regulations.
2. Appreciate the variety of philosophies in the social sciences and similarities, differences and
connections between the various approaches
Research philosophies tends to showcase the factual belief of the surveyor while carrying
out an investigation to determine an impeccable way to configure the gathered set of data. This
further assists in analysing and implicating the concentrated set of information from the chosen
tactics of data collection (Andersen and et. al., 2013). The present section is to determine the most
4

befitting philosophy to carry out a social science research work. It is therefore important to make a
primary exploration of social science investigations where it is based upon some specialised topics
of sociology, anthropology and political science. Wherein, a chosen philosophy largely tends to
contribute in attaining timely goals of the survey. These subject areas largely aid in stipulating a
considerate form of study that is specifically based upon underlying the facts of human behaviour.
In context to which, there exists total four leading philosophies of research that are known as the
pillars of the study. Positivism, Realism, Interpretivism and Pragmatism are those four vital beliefs
with their distinct set of nature as described into the succeeding portion of this section (Broad,
2014). It is however with a primary consideration of comparing their traits as a mean of
acknowledging their existent similarities and differences, etc., where they are vitally connected to
one other. With an analogous reference to it, there existed total three measured outlooks to
configure their comparative framework, as stated below- Ontology- It is the foremost consideration wile refereeing to opt for a particular approach of
the research where ontology tends to determine the view of the investigator by together
define the factual nature of realism. With reference to which, positivism is hereby based
upon extrinsic objectives with autonomous social actors (Clark, 2013). Another formulation
of realism is entirely based on the objectivity of an elected subject matter with self-reliant
ideas that are based on real evidences. Interpretivism as another subsequent measure is
based upon social construction of ideas that are based upon the subjectivity of the topic. The
eventual research philosophy called as pragmatism is also based upon extraneous measures
with multiple ideas to opt from the best one. Epistemology- It is yet another grouped mean that outlines the carried vies of a surveyor in
regard to identify an integral way for accepting generous knowledge. Herein, positivism
depicts an discernible process that could render presumptive facts and findings based upon a
focussed form of causality (Gray, 2013). This together reflects abstractive laws by
diminishing the phenomenal procedurals to a simplest array of research. Whereas, in the
subsequent concept of realism, such observable procedural as of the above tact of positivism
provides insufficient statistics. It is therefore with a prime focus upon explicating within a
set context of the elected subject matter. Interpretivism consists of subjective implication of
social procedural with a major focus upon the detailed perspective of the topic (Knobe and
Nichols, 2013). It is basically to address the reality behind the accumulated set of data that
comprises with varied motivating actions. The ultimate approach of pragmatism is often
considered as to have a united standpoint of observable procedurals and subjective
implications to choose from either of them. It is basically to acquire a satisfactory
5

knowledge to address the research queries by focussing upon certain feasible methods.
 Data collection- It is basically to specify the most appropriate mean by which each of the
approaches are being supported by a particular data collection technique. In context to
which, positivism is largely supported by highly integrated samples with quantitative
assessment of the gathered information (Ryan-Flood and Gill, 2013). In realism, the
surveyor is free to opt for either of the two data analysis methods that should correspond to
the elected subject matter of the investigation. Interpretivism is hereby supported by small
sampling range to make an in- depth study with a major assistance of qualitative methods of
evaluation. Lastly, the pragmatism approach of research is together based upon a mixed
conception of either of the research designs in support of the research questions. It has
hereby represented an analogous consent to another approach of realism where the
investigator can opt for any of the analytical techniques (Eriksson and Kovalainen, 2015).
3. Critically reflection on the ontological and epistemological issues of a research project
Before coming over the ontological and epistemological issues of a research project, it
becomes important to consider an investigation on social issue. For this, the researcher has
considered a study on the impact of Psychological Factors on Consumer Buying Behaviour. The
following research has defined some psychological factors that influence consumer buying
behaviour (Earle, 2010). In the present time, for the organizations, it is essential to analyze or
measure the buying attitude of the customers. The reason is many of the companies are offering the
substitute of goods and services and this thing is increasing the level of competition in the
marketplace. In this context it becomes necessary to identify the list of psychological factors that
may positively or negatively affect the purchase behaviour of the end users. It is considering as a
modern business approach by the firms to deal with the tough competition (Flood, 2010). Marketing
activities of the organization starts with the focusing over determining the needs of the end and
ensure their satisfaction level. When every activity of the enterprise revolves around the customers
then the study of consumer behaviour becomes important. In the present era, there are wide options
available in front of the consumers to buy the services of any company (Mortari and Tarozzi, 2010).
At the time of carrying out the study on analyze attitude service users’ behaviour, management
needed to consider one on the important factor i.e. psychological factors. It affects individual
purchasing decision in various terms such as motivations, learning and beliefs, perceptions and
attitudes.
The purpose and scope of selected PhD project is to shed the lights on importance of
consumer buying behaviour that make the business to adopt the concept of customer oriented
6

business. It states various psychological factors which affects the purchase behaviour of the
consumers in different situations (Hausman, 2012). In this regards, for data collection, primary and
secondary data collection methods have been used. Primary data has been gathered with the help of
preparing a structured questionnaire. It has been collected from the customer group of organization.
Along with this, for the proposed PhD research project, the researcher has been considered
interpretivism research philosophy. This has helped in attain the research objectives and research
questions in an effective manner. Further, data analysis has been done with the help of thematic
analysis tool in which some themes have prepared and collected primary information has been
analyzed (Scutt and Hobson, 2013).
At the time of carrying out the social science research on impact of Psychological Factors on
Consumer Buying Behaviour, some ontological and epistemological issues have determined. The
first problem in this context has explaining how perception can give knowledge or justified belief
that taken by the researcher during the study (Sheng-huan, 2011). It has not able to explain the
nature and epistemic role of experience at the time of taking perception or assumption over the
selected topic. Apart from this, ontological issue is unable to conceive how learning and teaching
hep in conducting investigation should. Along with this, this has not able to explain the
development and transmission of knowledge and learning for the research project of PhD. Further,
feminism, multiculturalism, and postmodernism are some other ontological issues that have risen in
proposed research study (Kirkman, Gibson and Kim, 2012).
4. Select an appropriate philosophical approach for the PhD project and justify that selection
Interpretivism can be defined as approach to social science that argue the positivism of
natural science. It is kind of research method that involves human component as it depends upon the
way investigators interpret the data obtained through a research work. It further perceives reality as
something subjective and founded on meanings and comprehension
(Wright, 2010). In the opinion of Interpretivists just as multitude cannot be detached from their
cognition, investigators cannot be detached from their topic of the study. The objective of the
research is apprehension, instead of doing forecasting. Interpretivism researchers does not regard
the cognition created from the investigation to be enduring but accept it as absolute to the time or
with regards to the culture in which the investigation was performed. The investigators are more
interactive and engaged in their investigation studies. The primary data assemblage methods
utilized in the interpretivist approach involve face to face interviews, discussions and discovery of
the subjects (Tarvydas, Addy and Fleming, 2010). Thereafter, interpretivism is developed socially.
The main objective of the research is to have in depth understanding regarding various concepts
7

instead of weak forecasting. The benefits of interpretivism is that it foster study in qualitative areas
like, leadership, differences in culture in company, problems of ethics, outcome of leadership,
motivation or rewards etc. further, it is ascertained that primary data gathered through interpretivism
is more valid and depicts true, honest and reliable information. However, in the contrasts of this, it
is ascertained that interpretivism is subjective in nature and have high possibility of biases on the
part of researcher. In addition to this aspect, primary information gathered through interpretivism
approaches fails in generalizing as information is intensely affected by personal opinion and beliefs
of the researcher (Brey, 2010). Hence, reliability and representativeness of the information is less
defined to a particular extent. The subjective approach is considered by interpretivism which
enables them to consider pros and cons of every situation. The interpretivism prefers to perform in
depth study and have knowledge regarding the culture and manner individual live their lives. As it
does not taken general overview it is said that research have extreme level of validity? In addition to
this, it is said that information here is actual representation of facts and figures and can be relied
upon (Hesse-Biber, 2012). Further, it is considered by the interpretivism that reality is multifaceted
which further relied on various methods for understanding the significance and make it tough to
interpret in relation to fixed realities. Overall, it can be stated that objective of researcher is to have
proper understanding and interpreting the results in the conduct of individual instead of generalizing
and forecasting causes and impacts. It is significant method that helps in knowing the objectives,
meanings, grounds and various subjective experiences that are restricted in terms of time and
context (Lee2012).
5. Work collaboratively and lead seminar discussions
In addition to this, it can be said that use of interpretivism philosophy allows to have
collective working so that goals and objectives can be accomplished in desired manner. It has been
noticed that interpretivism allows having proper interaction with members and respondents so that
discussion about the subject can be attained in appropriate manner (Strunz, 2012). With an
assistance of this, the seminar and discussion about the subject can be accomplished effectively. In
addition to this, it can be stated that interpretivism allows to make sure that critical elements about
the subject are being evaluated in desired manner. It has been noticed that by having an effective
use of interpretivism research philosophy the overarching term that relates to the development of
knowledge under the seminar discussion can be accomplished effectively. It further includes the
natures of knowledge in relation to the research. Along with this, it also assists in effective defining
of the development of background of a study (Knobe and Nichols, 2013). It also helps in attaining
the outcome through proper engagement. Research philosophy comprises of factors such as an
8

individual’s way of seeing things differently, varied perceptions and beliefs towards reality. It
means the presentation of views in form of discussion can be promoted effectively. Moreover,
Interpretivism philosophy approach had been used by the researcher to give importance to his
beliefs. It has further helped in providing adequate justification for the research problem. This
philosophy has assisted the researcher in highlighting real facts and figures as per the research
problem (Broad, 2014). With an assistance of this, collective activities in regard to research study
need to be developed effectively. Subject can be addressed in appropriate manner so that goals and
objectives can be accomplished. Seminar key values can also be promoted effectively so that
sustainable development can be attained in desired manner.
6. Write about philosophical approaches in the social sciences in a concise and clear manner
Social science of philosophy can be defined as the study of the logical method of social
science. It includes both descriptive and prescriptive side. This contains various things such as
empirical arguments, explanations, hypotheses, methods, theories and so on. This means that a
researcher must have the knowledge of all these areas at the time of carrying out the investigation in
social science subjects (Clark, 2013). It enables the scholars to evaluate current science methods to
attain the research objectives. There are different types of philosophical approaches in the social
sciences. In this context, one is naturalism where methods of social science should communicate
closely with natural science. It assists in to distinguish social phenomena to natural phenomena
because they are intentional in nature (Creswell, 2013). Apart from this, interpretivism is another
form of social science which allows interpreting the observation of human activities in subjective
information so that a meaningful conclusion can be drawn. Along with this, this helps in explain the
difference between literary texts and social phenomena. Both the concepts are complex in nature
and contain some meaningful information to interpret the collected information. Interpretivism
philosophical approach in the social sciences assists in exploring subjective meaning of the aim of
the investigation (Ball, 2013). In this, the responders work as s participants. To complete the
research, the researchers uses various methods such as case study, ethnography etc. Along with this,
the research methods selected for the following concept is observation, semi-structured interviews
etc.
On the other hand, in the case of positivism philosophical approach in the social sciences
states that the developed aim or research project develops on the real issue. It defines the social
science as an identifying laws and regulation of human behaviour. This affects the researchers’ data
collection process and its analysis either in positive and negative manner. Under this, the scholars
work as a detached value-free observer (Mary Converse 2012). In this, the activities, behaviour of
9

the people etc observe by the investigators without taking interview or conducting online survey.
Further, the people are using by the researchers as an objects of the study. These are just observing
by the investigator to collect the data. The methodology adopts to carry out this work are quasi-
experimental of large scale. With the help of this, it become easy to conduct the investigation with
the huge sample size and it aids in generate the expected outcomes. For this, the researchers use
different research methods such as questionnaire, survey, statistical analysis etc (Speziale, Streubert
and Carpenter, 2011).
7. Identify how ontological and epistemological claims feed through into the methodology of social
science research
To deal with ontological and epistemological claims in the selected research project of PhD,
the suitable philosophy of social science is interpretivism. With the help of this, qualitative research
areas of proposed project can be easily addressed (Coghlan and Coughlan, 2010). It has assisted in
ensuring the validity of collection of primary information because this data has considered as honest
and trustworthy. Because of the subjective in nature, it has allowed the researcher to make some
little adjustment in gather data. This has effectively defined the values and viewpoints of the
respondents during the investigation. Interpretivism research philosophy has focused over the
impact of external social forces. Along with this, it has defined how social reality is constructed via
meanings and negotiations (Hooker, 2012). On the other hand, this has aided in assuming that all
respondents have engaged in rational behaviour at the time of buying of the service of the company.
With the application of following research philosophy approach in the social science i.e. the impact
of Psychological Factors on Consumer Buying Behaviour project, it has assisted the researcher to
understand the motive behind their buying decisions.
CONCLUSION
From the above research, it can be concluded that research philosophy has helped in
understand the research topic in deep manner. This has responsible for the development of
knowledge towards the investigation subject. It has affected the practical implications at the time of
conducting the investigation. The study further stated that there are several reasons that have
determined that why scholars have need to comprehend research philosophy during conducting an
investigation. At the time of taking the decision of use of research philosophy, the investigators
have used aim, objectives, research questions and nature of the study. While, the social science has
a broad field that has involved economics, sociology, demography, geography and political science.
It has developed with the revolution in revolution which has showed detailed as the highest change
in the history of manhood. Positivism, Realism, Interpretivism and Pragmatism has the four types of
10

philosophical approaches. Epistemological issue has not able to explain how perception can give
knowledge or justified belief that taken by the researcher during the study. While, ontological issue
has unable to conceive how learning and teaching hep in conducting investigation should. For the
selected PhD research project, the researcher has selected Interpretivism philosophical approach. It
has delivered various benefits during conducting the investigation.
11

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Andersen, H. and et. al., 2013. New challenges to philosophy of science. Dordrecht: Springer.
Ball, S.J. ed., 2013. Foucault and education: Disciplines and knowledge. Routledge.
Bawarshi, A.S. and Reiff, M.J., 2010. Genre: An introduction to history, theory, research, and
pedagogy. West Lafayette, IN: Parlor Press.
Bechtel, W. and Richardson, R.C., 2010. Discovering complexity: Decomposition and localization
as strategies in scientific research. MIT Press.
Brey, P., 2010. Philosophy of technology after the empirical turn. Techné: Research in Philosophy
and Technology, 14(1), pp.36-48.
Broad, C.D., 2014. Religion, philosophy and psychical research: selected essays. Routledge.
Clark, A., 2013. Mindware: An introduction to the philosophy of cognitive science. Oxford
University Press, Inc..
Coghlan, D. and Coughlan, P., 2010. Notes toward a philosophy of action learning research. Action
Learning: Research and Practice, 7(2), pp.193-203.
Creswell, J.W., 2013. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches.
Sage.
Earle, V., 2010. Phenomenology as research method or substantive metaphysics? An overview of
phenomenology's uses in nursing. Nursing Philosophy, 11(4), pp.286-296.
Eriksson, P. and Kovalainen, A., 2015. Qualitative Methods in Business Research: A Practical
Guide to Social Research. Sage.
Flood, A., 2010. Understanding phenomenology: Anne Flood looks at the theory and methods
involved in phenomenological research. Nurse researcher, 17(2), pp.7-15.
Gray, D.E., 2013. Doing research in the real world. Sage.
Hausman, J.A. ed., 2012. Contingent valuation: A critical assessment (Vol. 220). Elsevier.
Hesse-Biber, S.N., 2012. Handbook of feminist research: Theory and praxis. Sage.
Hooker, C. ed., 2012. Contemporary research in the foundations and philosophy of quantum theory:
proceedings of a conference held at the University of Western Ontario, London,
Canada (Vol. 2). Springer Science & Business Media.
12

Kirkman, B.L., Gibson, C.B. and Kim, K., 2012. Across borders and technologies: Advancements
in virtual teams research. In The Oxford Handbook of Organizational Psychology, Volume 2.
Knobe, J. and Nichols, S. eds., 2013. Experimental philosophy (Vol. 2). Oxford University Press.
Lee, C.J.G., 2012. Reconsidering constructivism in qualitative research. Educational Philosophy
and theory, 44(4), pp.403-412.
Mary Converse RN, M.N., 2012. Philosophy of phenomenology: How understanding aids
research. Nurse researcher, 20(1), p.28.
Mokrzycki, E., 2013. Philosophy of science and sociology: from the methodological doctrine to
research practice (Vol. 23). Routledge.
Mortari, L. and Tarozzi, M., 2010. Phenomenology as philosophy of research: An introductory
essay. Phenomenology and human science research today, pp.9-54.
Ryan-Flood, R. and Gill, R., 2013. Secrecy and silence in the research process: Feminist
reflections. Routledge.
Scutt, C. and Hobson, J., 2013. The stories we need: Anthropology, philosophy, narrative and higher
education research. Higher Education Research & Development, 32(1), pp.17-29.
Sheng-huan, X.U., 2011. Construing Language Through Body-Mind Relation: A Philosophy-of-
Mind Approach to Language [J]. Journal of Henan University (Social Science), 4, p.002.
Speziale, H.S., Streubert, H.J. and Carpenter, D.R., 2011. Qualitative research in nursing:
Advancing the humanistic imperative. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Strunz, S., 2012. Is conceptual vagueness an asset? Arguments from philosophy of science applied
to the concept of resilience. Ecological Economics, 76, pp.112-118.
Tarvydas, V., Addy, A. and Fleming, A., 2010. Reconciling evidenced-based research practice with
rehabilitation philosophy, ethics and practice: From dichotomy to dialectic. Rehabilitation
Education, 24(3-4), pp.191-204.
Wright, T.A., 2010. More than meets the eye: The role of employee well-being in organizational
research.
13