This document discusses research philosophy and the importance of theory in research. It provides an overview of different philosophical frameworks for research including positivism, constructionism, and interpretivism. These frameworks influence the methodology and methods used to generate knowledge. The document emphasizes that research should be grounded in theory to contribute to the body of knowledge in a field. Concepts are the building blocks of theory, and developing a theoretical framework is important for guiding research and validating findings.

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Chapter 4
UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY
Learning Objectives
1. To understand the philosophical foundations and methodologies of research.
2. To understand the distinct opinions of the world in the various philosophical methods.
3. To understand the theory’s use in the information generation.
4. To know the theory’s significance and how to apply it in their research.
5. To comprehend the connections between research, theory and knowledge.
Overview
1. Research Process
2. The Philosophical Underpinnings of Research and Research Methodologies
3. The Research Project and the Philosophical Frameworks
4. The Methodological Pyramid
5. The Use of Theory in the Generation of Knowledge
6. The Importance of Theory in Research
7. Concepts are the Building Blocks of Theory
8. The Uses of Theory in Research
9. Creating a Theoretical Framework
10. Generating Theory from Your Own Research
11. The Links between Research, Theory and Knowledge
1. Research Process
The focus of the research process is on the understanding philosophical frameworks. Silva,
D.L. (2016) defined philosophical framework as the demonstration of viewpoint of life or the
world’s concept within the research is sited. The steps of the research should have suitable ideas,
principles and focus on the study to relate the knowledge to your paper.
To begin the process of developing a research proposal, a researcher must consider the aim of
the study, what technique should be used for the methodology to collect data, the place of the
research and the basis of the research study.

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A research philosophy is a concept on how to collect, analyze and use information on a
phenomena. According to Saunders et al, (2009), Philosophy of research is an overarching phrase
for knowledge growth and the essence of that knowledge. Research philosophy corresponds also
to a process of views and assumptions about knowledge growth. In every research, you are
developing new knowledge wherein a number of assumptions is done. When you say “developing
knowledge” it does not refer directly to new theory or invention but answering certain problem to
a specific field is already a way of developing knowledge. The hypothesis you create involves
human understanding that is also recognized as an epistemological hypothesis, or even the realities
you encounter as an ontological hypothesis. Epistemology refers to understandings, establishes
knowledge and the procedures which information is produces. Silva, D.L (2016). According to
Rescher, N. (2003) the theory of knowledge epistemology is to explain the involved concept of
understanding, how it is implemented and explains the characteristics it does. On the other hand,
Ontology refers to the nature of reality. The 4.1 shows the three epistolomogical situations.
Table 4.1 Epistomological Situations
Positivism - Believes that reality is unique and distinct
from consciousness. “Positivism has a long
and rich historical tradition. It is so embedded
in our society that knowledge claims not
grounded in positivist thought are simply
dismissed as a scientific and therefore invalid"
(Hirschheim, 1985, p.33).
- It is an approach in the study of society which
uses different quantitative ways for a smart
representation such as questionnaires, surveys
and other more to interpret the individual or
group experiences. It is a necessary step to
conduct a social survey.

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Social Constructionism - It is a research theory in sociology and
communication theory that analyzes the
creation of collectively constructed world
views that form the foundation for mutual
judgments on reality. It believes that social
phenomena evolve in social situations and the
people and organizations generate their own
realities.
- Interprets the unique reality of each
individual’s life experiences and relating it to
others. It focuses on expounding your own
circumstances which can be judged, critiqued
and can be accepted or rejected.
Interpretivism - It is connected with constructivism. It
believes that the reality of society is a
normative construction subjected to
interpretation and socialization. Interpretivists
acknowledge that there may be many
interpretations of truth and reality, however
retain that they are component of the science
understanding they pursue in themselves.
- It is an approach in the study of society which
uses different qualitative ways such as
interviews, individual or group observations
on the trends or events happening on our
society to study people experiences and
expressions. From the word interpret we need
to expound the ideas and information of what
the society needs and that information will be
a part of your research.
2. The Philosophical Underpinnings of Research and Research Methodologies
The philosophical framework within which each study project demonstrates the perspective
of the world and inform us something about the researcher's ontological situation, their
understanding of the reality of truth in relation to the studies being carried out. A researcher can
set his research into one epistemological situation and other research into another situation. For
instance, the researcher would like to place his study within an interpretative framework, and the
other study is within the framework of positivism. Therefore, the epistemological scenario of the
research is based on research being carried out specifically on the objectives of the research, the
type of information needed to effectively carried out the research and the study itself as a whole.
The three epistemological positions such as positivism, constructionism and interpretivism are
discussed in this module as a philosophical frameworks. The other philosophical frameworks

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entrenched in one of the three epistemological positions are mentioned below. Table 4.2 shows the
other philosophical frameworks and its short description and meaning.
Table 4.2 Other Philosophical Framework Usually Used in Social Science Research
Hermeneutics - It is the theory of interpretation and the study
of the interpretation procedures. It is also used
to identify procedures to theorize the
circumstances under which such interpretation
can be carried out.
Symbolic interactionism - It is the reality arises from the shared
significance of human interaction by holding
the individual developed value of the human
interaction.
Functionalism - It is the study of social structures and how
these structures serve societal requirements. It
is also the theory centered on the assumption
that all elements of society — institutions,
roles, standards, etc. — serve a useful purpose
and that they are all indispensable for the
lengthy-term survival of culture.
Structuralism - It maintains the culture of the human to be
understood as a sign system. It is generated and
copied in society by means of sign system such
as various structures, financial structures,
distinct methods and methods of doing things.
- It is also Analytical development and
behavioural genetics view that seeks to
evaluate a particular field as a complicated
system of interconnected components.
Critical theory - It is the society review and criticism with a
perspective to revealing systems of domination
by focusing on values and standards. It is a
basic viewpoint from which science, politics,
social action, and other human activities can be
analyzed.
Feminism - It believes that equal treatment, rights,
inclusiveness and opportunities between male
and female in social, political and economic
are the main focus of this theory.
Post- structuralism - It relates to a variety of theoretical views
which can be seen to distance themselves from
the principles of structuralism. It arises from a
structuralist criticism.

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- It is originated from an evaluation or
assessment of structuralism.
Post- modernism - From the word itself, it implies after the era
of modernity.
- It implies post modern era. The scientists
tried to discover, analyze and expound the
world in logical, empirically objective way.
The simplicity of such methods is challenged
and rejected.
According to Silva, D.L. (2016) it is essential to reflect a slight on these frameworks and to
create a significance logic and the influence on the understanding of the social world. The list
offers an idea to explore the different theoretical perspective and philosophical perspective on the
social world.
3. The Research Project and the Philosophical Frameworks
When assessing the methodology and techniques of information collection to be used in the
study, you need to consider the type of information to answer a research question or declaration.
We all understand that research is being conducted to contribute to the body of knowledge, and it
is fundamentally associated with the theoretical underpinnings and the techniques to be used to
generate that knowledge. Knowledge is developed in studies by investigating the phenomenon
under inquiry by the researcher through methodology and the techniques that must be appropriate
for the study. The investigator must clarify and justify the methodology and techniques used in the
studies to answer the epistomological question wherein this clarification and validations will
support the legitimacy of the study. The five essential fundamentals of the process in research.
(Crotty, 2005).
The methodology and information collection techniques should consider the type of
knowledge required to answer the research question. Research is conducted to contribute to
knowledge. It is primarily concerned with a kind of understanding and the way of creating
knowledge.
There are five basic elements of a research process shown in the Figure 4.2.
a. Methodology- is the research approach or design used.
b. Epistemology- is the concept of information integrated in the theoretical and
methodological view.
c. Methods- are the techniques used in studies to collect information.
d. Ontology- is the assumptions integrated in the theoretical view and therefore in the
methodology about the nature of reality.
e. Theoretical Perspective- is the philosophical framework in which the methodology is
informed and grounded.

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Figure 4.2 Basic Elements of Research (Silva, D.L. 2016)
First we specify what we are intended to do in creating the research by stating the research
statement and the study goal. We will then clarify how we will do it and the methodology to use.
Inserted in the statement of methodology includes assumptions about the nature of fact and implicit
ideas about the type of information that the study will generate. For example, you will conduct an
experimental research, utilizing the methods to be used you can produce a certain knowledge. The
theoretical view, the philosophical tenets of the study and subsequently the ontological and
epistemological integrated in the study are explained and discussed in justifying the
methodological choices taken in the studies. When contemplating the research statement, you
should ask if this study project suits within a framework of positivism, constructionism or
interpretivism. In order to be able to respond to the research statement, you should consider the
type of information you need to obtain. You should consider if you will utilize quantitative data or
qualitative data. Quantitative data are data that can be counted, data that can be coded in number
form. This are the type of data that is precise, quantifiable, and measurable in terms of numbers. It
is a usually expressed as numbers. It may be represented by a name or a number code. In research,
the evaluation of the phenomena is investigated through statistical or computational methods. A
simple examples of quantitative data are weight, height and number of fingers. On the other hand,

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Qualitative Data are data that cannot be counted. These are data that are complex and cannot be
readily quantify. These are data that characterized feelings, ideas, and understanding. Simply
called non-numeric data. As we all know that qualitative data is simple and can be coded
numerically. For instance, if there is a little number of responses, it’s easy to code the data
numerically. Usually, qualitative data are concise and simple. However, qualitative data is
sometimes lose the complexity of the responses through coding. Ask yourself where to find the
information and how to best collect the information. In answering these questions, you will be able
to generate a judgment as to which methodology of research and methods of collecting data to use
in order to collect the data necessary appropriately and effectively.
4. The Methodological Pyramid
Methodological Pyramid demonstrates how the distinct methodologies fit the basic
philosophies and distinct techniques of information collection. During the process of creating the
conceptual for the research project arises the philosophical framework within the research project
is located. As we understand, the conceptual framework is contained in the declaration or question
of the study.

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It is essential to state the differences between the quantitative data and qualitative data happen
at the top of the methodological pyramid for data collection technique. There are two types of data
that can be collected for any research paper, quantitative data and qualitative data.
1. Quantitative data are data expressed in terms of amount or numeric. This data has measurement
that can be measured and demonstrated.
2. Qualitative Data are data that can’t be expressed in terms of amount or numeric. This data
corresponds to feelings, thoughts, ideas and understanding of a data.
5. The Use of Theory in the Generation of Knowledge
All research is integrated in theory, definitely all study carried out within the academic
environment and it is about the knowledge generation. All the researchers operating in the field
conduct the theoretical discussion. The researchers undertake studies and publish the results in
different way such as in journals, thesis and other more. Research is all about knowledge-
generation. The study conducted within a theoretical environment is rooted with theory. Every
research contribute to the knowledge that makes the development of knowledge arises. A dream
of a researcher is to publish their research. In doing so, you are letting other researchers to critique
your work starting from the research statement up to the result of your research. In this way, other
researcher helps you to validate your wok as to contribute to the body of knowledge. It is in this
process that through research, a theory is established and the knowledge is being expounded. That
is why every study, grow into part of the knowledge.
6. The Importance of Theory in Research
Theory is has a greatest significance in a research study. But not all is integrated in theory. A
research with theoretical basis does not have a theoretical framework and it is restricted to use. It
is restricted since a specific body of understanding does not appear from a theoretical framework.
The input may be very helpful, but the input is totally restricted to that framework. Silva, D.L.
(2016). According to Wacker, J.G. (1998) there are three reasons why theory is important in
research. First is it offers an analysis framework where there are differences of view. Second, it
offers an effective field development technique because the development decreases problem
solving mistakes by constructing on present theory. And lastly it gives the pragmatic world a clear
explanation.
It is a guiding principle in generating an idea to be conducted. Imagine a research without a
theoretical base wherein it does not have a theoretical framework. Of course, it is inadequate in a
sense of it does not emerge to the body of knowledge. Theoretical base is important because this
will serve as the guide and basis of the study throughout the journey of the research. A research
without theoretical base is limited and confined to a definite context where the issue was
conducted. Such study results are usually restricted to the particular context in which the study
was performed and can only contribute in this very restricted context. It cannot contribute to the
body of knowledge to make a theory. It will not be part of “what is known” within the body of
knowledge about the occurrences being inspected. As stated, research should be rooted with theory

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which arises from a theoretical framework and in turn creates an involvement to the body of
knowledge in a certain field.
7. Concepts are the Building Blocks of Theory
As we have learned in the conceptual framework which is the first framework in the research,
the key ideas, key words or phrases simply states the concept of the study. Each keyword or phrases
contain certain meaning. Theory is composed of number concepts. It is developed from distinct
ideas and from the grouping or alignment of distinct ideas. This concept-based theory development
method is not an easy linear method. The researcher is integrated in the concepts that make up the
body of knowledge. Through their active involvement in the concepts and theory, researcher create
new ideas, improve the exiting concept, and develop the body of knowledge. Thus the ideas and
concepts that are interconnected are the tools by which theory is formed.
Concepts are ideas or thoughts from specific cases. Theory is an investigation of facts,
principles or experiences. From these concepts we can build up different ideas and knowledge to
produce a good theory. Each theory has a number of concepts that are grouped together to form a
qualitative output. Concept consists of every premises and regulations. Key words are a concept.
Each key word has a lot of significance. Each theory consists of several ideas. The development
process of a theory from a concept is complicated procedure of growth, creation and deliberation.
Concepts are the means by which theory is produced, evolved and associated with other ideas from
the previous researcher’s study.
8. The Uses of Theory in Research
The creation of a theoretical framework starts as the researcher starts thinking about
constructing and developing a study. As stated in the previous discussion, each study arises from
the body of knowledge and must take a contribution to the body of knowledge. It is not easy to
determine what positive difference your research study could make only if you know what has
already been known in the body of knowledge.
In making theoretical framework, you must start reading a subject as quickly as you have an
idea for your research in order to develop a sense of what researcher knows and what he wants to
know. Through this, it will show the positive difference that you can contribute to the body of
knowledge. Doing so, you are creating the first framework which is the conceptual framework that
contain the key concepts. Each keywords and phrases guides you to the theoretical framework of
your study.
The second framework or the theoretical framework is the literature review which comprises
a review of literature and studies in the specific area of field. In doing the review of literature, here
are some steps to have a smooth flow: First, he must does literate sources, second, he then now
saves the literature, third, reads the literature and finally start to construct from the literature he
has read. Theoretical framework is very important because of the following: it develops the
knowledge of the researcher in a certain area of field, it specifies the present information situation
of the body of knowledge, it shows what is known and the missing gap in what’s known and lastly,
it set out the theory that the researcher will eventually add to the existing knowledge.

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Gilbert, N. (2008) explained that theory emphasizes something you would not see or find
puzzling otherwise. It is often the solution to question on why. A conceptual framework shows the
statement of the problem, hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation and definition
of terms of the paper. The theoretical framework consists of the review of related literature. The
methodological framework shows how the research will be done. It provides you the process on
how you will gather your data. The analytical framework shows the flow of how those gathered
data will be evaluated and concluded. The conceptual framework and theoretical framework are
connected to each other. The conceptual framework should be finished first before going to the
theoretical framework because you can’t skip to another framework without finishing the first
framework. Theoretical framework depends on the key words that come from the statement of the
problems where it is found in the conceptual framework. Conceptual framework has the main
objectives of the research where it will be supported by the related literature to provide us clear
and accurate information regarding our chosen topic. And it will help us to finalize our statement
or idea by reading and evaluating related literature or studies. The conceptual framework offers
the theoretical framework with direction. The main ideas or key concepts will come from the
problem statement, the general and specific goals, and will be supported by reading and evaluating
related literatures and studies in the theoretical framework content.
9. Creating a Theoretical Framework
Understanding the literature before developing research statement is important because the
literature you analyze provides you with content from which you partially evolve the questions
you ask during the study information collection stage. All throughout, the research objectives must
be clear to the researcher. When you emerge at the data analysis point, you started the data
theorization process. The method will determine how your information suits into the field theory.
In order to theorize your research, you link your results to the results of published studies outlined
in the research literature review. Some results stand in contrast to other researchers ' results. But it
doesn’t mean that your study is not effective and systematic. There can be many explanations why
other study is contradictory to your own study. It may be because of the following reasons: you
may be working in a separate time frame, or in a distinct geographic region or cultural setting. All

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of these reasons might affect the result but what is important you conduct your research in a proper
way and you presented your result thoroughly.
I will define the meaning of the theoretical framework. Theoretical framework is the
compilation of concepts, important information and definition that are found in related literature
and related studies. The theoretical framework will help us to improve our study idea by reading
and assessing another researcher’s paper that are related to our topic. It consists of existing
knowledge that is significant to a specific topic. It will be used as the basis of hypothesis and
methodology of our research. The theoretical framework is the summary and outline of a
researcher’s review evaluation of related literature and related studies. It involves theories or ideas
and results of your studies and can be used. In theoretical framework, the key concept will be
shown. From this framework, you can correlate the concept of your study from the study of the
other researcher.
Steps on creating a theoretical framework:
a. The researcher needs first to point out the origin of the literature.
b. Then, they have to save the literature that they have searched.
c. Read and evaluate the related literature
d. Lastly, they need to create their theoretical framework based on the related literature
that they have read and assessed.
The researcher establishes the theoretical framework:
a. To provide the study a theoretical framework
b. To develop their knowledge in this field.
c. To detail the present understanding in the field.
d. To identify what is to be recognize and every gap to be recognize
e. To detail the theory that arises from the studies.
f. To summarize the theory to which eventually the study will be added.
10. Generating Theory from Your Own Research
According to Silva, D.L. (2016), theorizing data explains and shows how results and
conclusions from a study helps and oppose the present studies. The method of theorizing data is
the method of determining how your information fits with the field theory. Each phase of the
study project should correspond to the project’s purpose and concentration. You need to identify
the details on the theory of literature review to support and oppose the information of your study.
You need to determine the methods on how your information is suitable into the field theory.
You link the results of the published study results outlined in the research project literature
review.

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11. The Links between Research, Theory and Knowledge
Each study is intended to contribute to the body of knowledge. First, the researcher generates
the first framework which is the conceptual framework for the study from which the second
framework which is also the theoretical framework develops. These two frameworks which are
conceptual and theoretical frameworks lead the researcher into the information collection stage of
the study with respect to the fields to be investigated and the questions to be raised. The
information will be evaluated and the conclusions made will be theorized. From the earlier
discussion, data are theorized by binding the conclusions into the research extracted in the
literature review. By binding their studies into the body of knowledge in the area of field within
which they have situated the study, the researcher adds to the information. The outcome of the
theorization method is a new theory or new expansion of the current theory set out in the final
research report. The new theory of current theory is created through the researcher innovative
involvement with the main ideas of the research. Through this creative commitment, the researcher
develops new concepts which is the building blocks of theory. The process of how researcher
develops new concepts is shown in figure 4.5.
The conceptual framework and theoretical framework show the researchers in collecting the
data for the area to be discovered and queries to be asked. The conceptual framework provides
direction for the theoretical framework. The main ideas or key concepts will come from the
statement of the problem, the general and specific objectives and it will be supported by reading
and evaluating related literatures and studies which are in the content of the theoretical framework.
The conceptual framework demonstrates the issue statement, the primary and specific goals, the
scope and the research restriction. Conceptual framework is the most important because from this
framework, where key words are found, you can create your main goal and specific goals. And
these key words on the research study will be your foundation. The creative involvement of the
researcher with the main ideas of studies, with the theory and the ideas they have on the
information collected for the research study that creates a fresh theory to current theory. The
creative involvement of the reflective process causes the researchers to create fresh ideas.

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End of Chapter Questions
• What is the meaning of the word philosophical framework relative to social research?
• What is the three philosophical frameworks in the social research and explain each.
• How to create a theoretical framework?
• Explain the difference between the qualitative and quantitative data.
• What is methodological pyramid?
• Explain and outline the five basic elements of a research process.
• Give at least three philosophical frameworks usually used in social science research and
explain.
• Explicate the statement “concept are the building blocks of theory”.
• What is the process of developing theory and concisely explain?
• Why is it important to involve the literature before making a choice about the center of the
study?
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