Ontological, epistemological, and methodological considerations in social science research are discussed in this presentation.

1. Ontological and
epistemological assumptions
and methodological choices in
social science research
By
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan,
Department of Education,
Hazara University, Mansehra
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan

2. Ontology, epistemology,
methodology
•In my previous presentation I discussed the main
paradigms of research in social sciences.
•The current presentation is to discuss the interaction
between:
our ontological
and epistemological positions
and our methodological choices.
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan

3. Determinants of our methodological
choices
• Our ontological and epistemological positioning
• the nature of our inquiry/research question(s)
And the subject-matter under study
(Perceptions/practices/abilities/achievement
• Practical realities/Considerations
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan

4. Objectivist ontological positioning
• A researcher who tend to have a more objectivist/positivist
view of the nature of social reality, is likely to adopt:
• quantitative research
• and data collection methods
• such as experimental studies or large scale survey studies.
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan

5. Subjectivist ontological positioning
• Researchers with more subjectivist/interpretive worldview
or paradigms are likely to adopt:
• qualitative research designs
• use techniques such as
• detailed observations,
• In-depth interviews,
• Focus groups
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan

6. Conclusion
• The adoption of a particular research design is impacted by a multitude
of philosophical and practical considerations.
• A research design therefore is reflective of our philosophical and
practical considerations
• Research students need to be conscious of these important determinants
• have a say in making these choices
• be able to defend their choice of one or another:
• research philosophy,
• design or method.
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan

7. Pragmatic ontological positioning
•Combination of quantitative and qualitative data
collection and analysis techniques.
•More inclusive rather than exclusive approaches to
data collection and analysis processes.
•Mixed methods researches may be seen as an
example of this adopting this approach
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan

8. The nature of research
questions/objectives
• Questions of ‘how many’, ‘how often’, ‘how much’ would
tend to be explored through more quantitative research
designs.
• Questions of why?, what? and how? would tend to be
explored through more qualitative research strategies.
• A combination of such questions would tend to be
explored through a mix of methods
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan

9. Practical considerations
•Practical considerations include issues such as:
• access to sources of data (Interview vs Questionnaire
example)
•
•time available
•Resources
•Changes in situation during the research process
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan