The classic triad in this regard is ontology, epistemology, and methodology. Ontology comes first because it involves the most basic assumptions -- about the nature of reality. After that, epistemology addresses what can be known, given a set of assumptions about reality. Finally, methodology concerns how one goes about producing knowledge, given epistemological assumptions about what can be known. (Note that methodology is more abstract than methods, which are simply mechanical means for collecting and analyzing data.)
This approach, based on the philosophy of science, was introduced into the social sciences by Lincoln and Guba (1985) in their book, Naturalistic Inquiry. It is now considered to be rather old fashioned, since it has been replaced by an emphasis on how one's research question determines one's choice of methods.
Epistemology is the study of knowledge and belief, ontology is the study of existence and reality, and methodology refers to the procedures and techniques used in research. In other words, epistemology examines how knowledge is acquired, ontology explores the nature of reality and existence, while methodology provides a systematic and structured approach to scientific inquiry.
In research, epistemology, ontology, and methodology are interconnected. Simply put, epistemology guides the researcher’s grasp of knowledge acquisition, influencing the study questions and design. Ontology shapes the researcher’s understanding of the phenomenon under investigation and steers the selection of appropriate methods. The methodology lends a framework for conducting inquiry systematically and is shaped by the researcher’s epistemological and ontological assumptions. In short, these three concepts should be considered when designing and implementing research. Here are two insightful articles.
Berryman, D. R. (2019). Ontology, epistemology, methodology, and methods: Information for librarian researchers. Medical Reference Services Quarterly, 38(3), 271–279. https://doi.org/10.1080/02763869.2019.1623614
Rawnsley, M. M. (1998). Ontology, epistemology, and methodology: A clarification. Nursing Science Quarterly, 11(1), 2–4. https://doi.org/10.1177/089431849801100102
Good luck,
To put it simple, Ontology is the study of the being domain. Epistemology is the study the of epistemic assumptions underlying any scientific knowledge and theory. And technology is, as it were, scientific knowledge applied to solve theoretical and/or practical problems.
The research involves ontological, epistemological and axiological questions about the field of study in chronological order.
Ontology: what are the form and nature of reality? fact, awareness.
Epistemology: How do you know it? Recognize it
Axiology: what value goes into it? (Principle, Standard, moral, belief)
Methodology: what would be your process of studying it? (Strategy, procedure, plans.
Rhetoric: How do you write or express about it, the most appropriate language and voice to used, (textual, visual, style, languages.)
Bahram Shahedi please note that axiology is not part of the traditional philosophy of knowledge. Instead, Lincoln and Guba added it at a later data to address their lack of attention to values. In contrast, the field of philosophy address such issues under the heading of ethics.
David L Morgan received, noted. Thank you. My concern is the utilization of research questions around the philosophy of science (ontology, epistemology and methodology).
My observation : although, traditional philosophy of science does not include axiology as a part of the philosophy of knowledge, axiology plays a significant role in establishing linkages in knowledge between epistemology and research results through methodology. In the research process, axiology embodied concepts, which enhance the value of research findings. In my opinion, among the research questions, having formulated at least one research question based on the concept of axiology would act as a device (datum) controlling the whole inquiry process. In particular, close the knowledge gap between epistemology and methodology, by determining a proper research design decision on the investigation at hand.
The field of philosophy has traditionally maintained a major organizational division around the large topics of epistemology (the known) and ethics (the good). Axiology is almost unknown within traditional philosophy, so this attempt to import ethical issues into the philosophy of knowledge is almost entirely a confusion that has originated within the social sciences.
I am certainly not saying that we should evade ethical issues. Instead, I am just saying that we should not pretend those concerns aligns with anything in the philosophy of knowledge.
As for whether the research question should close the gap between epistemology and methodology, I prefer to think that the link between methods and questions is really all we need. What matters is that you ask a question that other researchers accept as meaningful, and match it to methods that other researchers accept as appropriate, Once you accomplish that, all of the issues related to the nature of reality (ontology) and the possibility of truth (epistemology) are just pointless metaphysics.
Muhammad Umair
I just need to add - in addition to the invaluable contribution above - that technology has nothing to do with philosophy. You may probably be asking about the application of ontology and epistemology to the field of technology.
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