What is research philosophy and why is it important? – Sage

Table of Contents

Research philosophy deals with the source, nature and development of knowledge[1]. In simple terms, a research philosophy is belief about the ways in which data about a phenomenon should be collected, analysed and used.

It teaches critical thinking, close reading, clear writing, and logical analysis; it uses these to understand the language we use to describe the world, and our place within it. These are philosophical questions, and philosophy teaches the ways in which we might begin to answer them.

Why is it important to understand the philosophy of science?

Philosophy and science share the tools of logic, conceptual analysis, and rigorous argumentation. Philosophers with the relevant scientific knowledge can then contribute significantly to the advancement of science at all levels of the scientific enterprise from theory to experiment as the above examples show.

What is philosophical basis in research?

Scientific research philosophy is a system of the researcher’s thought, following which new, reliable knowledge about the research object is obtained. In other words, it is the basis of the research, which involves the choice of research strategy, formulation of the problem, data collection, processing, and analysis.

Qualitative data requires an inductive approach to analysis. However, there should be some consistency between methods, methodology, and analysis. This is important in order to demonstrate logic. Thus, in order to make the research credible to the reader, the research should lead to the research findings.

Research philosophy Research philosophy consists of four main types of researches these types will cover wide range of researches displaces, “1) Pragmatism, 2)Positivism, 3)Realism, and 4)Interpretivism (Interpretivism)” (Research Methodology, 2017).

How does philosophy help us to understand ourselves?

Philosophy broadens the range of things one can understand and enjoy. It can give self-knowledge, foresight, and a sense of direction in life. It can provide special pleasures of insight to reading and conversation. It can lead to self-discovery, expansion of consciousness, and self-renewal.

How is philosophy relevant in research?

Philosophical thinking strongly emphasizes clear formulation of ideas and problems, selection of relevant data, and objective methods for assessing ideas and proposals. It also emphasizes development of a sense of the new directions suggested by new hypotheses and questions one encounters while doing research.

It is important for researchers to understand the connection between philosophy and interpretive frameworks because qualitative research methods are predominantly used by social sciences and psychology. Assumptions coupled with frameworks helps support the topic of research.

It plays an important role in discovering new treatments, and making sure that we use existing treatments in the best possible ways. Research can find answers to things that are unknown, filling gaps in knowledge and changing the way that healthcare professionals work.

Which is the best definition of research philosophy?

Research philosophy is defined as “the development of knowledge and the nature of knowledge” (Saunders, et al., 2009).

What do you mean by a philosophical framework?

A Framework for Understanding Assumptions. Philosophy means the use of abstract ideas and beliefs that inform our research. We know that philosophical assumptions are typically the first ideas in developing a study, but how they relate to the overall process of research remains a mystery.

The study of philosophy helps us to enhance our ability to solve problems, our communication skills, our persuasive powers, and our writing skills. Below is a description of how philosophy helps us develop these various important skills. General Problem Solving Skills: The study of philosophy enhances a person’s problem-solving capacities.

PHILOSOPHICAL ASSUMPTIONS An understanding of the philosophical assumptions behind qualitative research begins with assessing where it fits within the overall process of research, noting its importance as an element of research, and considering how to actively write it into a study.