RBUS2900 Study Guide - Final Guide: Process Philosophy, Observational Error, Content Validity
Document Summary
Quantitative approach: one objective truth, the truth is "out there" for us to uncover. Qualitative approach: no objective truth, truth is subjective, everyone has their own. The answers to these questions determine our philosophical research approach. Positivism (quant: we are objective observers of the world (ontology, knowledge is also objective (epistemology, the truth is out there, we can minimise bias by being systematic. Constructionism (qual: we cannot separate ourselves from the world (ontology, knowledge is socially constructed (epistemology) Exploratory research and measurement: we co-create versions of truth, we can manage bias by reflecting on our role in the research process. Exploratory research: conducted to clarify ambiguous situations or discover potential opportunities, not intended to provide conclusive evidence from which to determine a particular course of action, usually a first step using a discovery orientation. Helps to formulate a problem or for developing hypothesis or concepts more clearly. Sometimes small-scale work, including case studies, can lead to misleading results.
