1. PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVES
Chapter 4

2. Philosophical Assumptions
Written Record
Data Analysis Approach
Data Collection Technique
Research Method
Philosophi cal Assumptio ns
Philosphical Perspectives

3. Philosphical Perspectives
Introduction
All research is based on some underlying assumptions about what constitutes ‘valid’ research
Epistemology refers to assumptions about knowledge and how it can be obtained
All qualitative researchers should understand the grounds of their knowledge, especially the validity and scope of the knowledge that they obtain
Philosphical Perspectives

4. Philosphical Perspectives
Three categories
All research can be classified into three categories: positivist, interpretive, and critical
Qualitative research can adopt any one of these perspectives
For example, case study research can be positivist, interpretive, or critical
Philosphical Perspectives

5. Philosphical Perspectives
Qualitative research
influences/guides
positivist
interpretive
critical
Underlying philosophical assumptions
Philosphical Perspectives

6. Assumptions of positivist research
Social reality is objective, testable and independent of theoretical explanation
The researcher should be objective and unbiased
The researcher should be a detached value-free spectator, only an observer of the objects of study
Theories and hypotheses can be tested independent of an understanding of meanings and intentions
Lawlike relations can be discovered in organizations, and the purpose of research is to increase our predictive understanding of phenomena
Scientific research should have formal propositions, quantifiable measures of variables, and hypothesis testing - cases are of interest only as representative of populations
Philosphical Perspectives

7. Assumptions of interpretive research
Social reality is socially constructed
Theories are reconstructions of the facts, and the criterion of a good theory is an understanding of meaning and intentions rather than deductive explanation
Meanings in natural science are separate from facts, whereas in social science meanings are what constitute facts, for data consist of documents, intentional behaviour (action), social rules, culture, etc., and these are inseparable from their meanings for agents
The hermeneutic circle – the ‘logic’ of interpretation is irreducibly circular: parts cannot be understood without the whole, data and concepts cannot be understood without theory and context, etc.
Philosphical Perspectives

8. Assumptions of critical research
Similar to interpretive research except that in addition:
A focus on critique – critique of the prevailing social conditions and system of constraints
Consider the complex relationships between human interests, knowledge, power and forms of social control.
Challenge prevailing communities of assumptions
Challenge established social practices
Have an ethically-based stance
Some types of critical theory suggest individual emancipation and/or improvements in society
Philosphical Perspectives

9. Philosphical Perspectives
Examples
Positivist research – Wong and Ellis (2002). A focus on testable propositions
Interpretive research – Orlikowski (1991). A focus on sense-making and meaning
Critical research – Myers and Young (1997). A focus on hidden agendas, power, and other ‘taken for granted’ aspects of social reality
Philosphical Perspectives