The Complementarity of Epistemology and Methodology
The way of combining
Any research study should be evaluated on the choice of methodology that fits the theme under study. This includes a consideration of the original goal of the research and a rationale for the adopted methodology.
What is the relationship between epistemology and methodology? To what extent does the epistemological position adopted by the researcher prescribe which research methods ought to be used?
The use of the terms ‘methods’ and ‘methodology’ is not consistent across academic disciplines. Methodology refers to philosophical, conceptual, and theoretical aspects that underpin the approach employed to develop knowledge.
Methods, on the other hand, are defined as the actual techniques and strategies used to acquire knowledge and to manipulate data (Cancian, 1992).
Differentiating between a general approach to studying research topics and specific research techniques is helpful; the former is much more directly informed by the researcher’s epistemological position compared to the latter (Carla, 2001).
Some researchers view the two research paradigms, qualitative and quantitative, as incompatible because the assumptions and concepts on which they are based are fundamentally different.
The argument is that adopting the assumptions of one paradigm would mean letting go of the other (Lincoln & Guba, 1985).
A more moderate view holds that the assumptions underlying each paradigm are relative, but not absolute, and that qualitative and quantitative designs can be combined in three ways.
First, qualitative and quantitative methods may be used to increase the understanding of a particular issue.
Second, one primary framework (either qualitative or quantitative) may be used, while strategies from the other framework may be borrowed.
Third, the frameworks of the two different paradigms may be used simultaneously within a single research project to address different questions (DePoy & Gitlin, 1994).
Reference List
Cancian, F.M. (1992) Feminist science: Methodologies that challenge inequality. Gender and Society, 6(4), 623–642.
Carla, W. (2001) Introducing qualitative research in psychology. Open University Press.
Depoy, E., Gitlin, L. (1994 ) Introduction to research: Multiple strategies for health and human services. Toronto, Mosby.
Lincoln, Y., Guba, E. (1985 ) Naturalistic inquiry. Newbury Park, California, Sage.
Originally published at http://poeticmindfulness.wordpress.com on October 9, 2020.
