Decoding Research: Philosophical Pillars of Research Paradigms

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beliefs about the nature of reality.For example, a researcher might take a stance that health behaviors are shaped by external, observable factors.This research searches for objective truths that are measurable, can be explained using statistical analysis and are generalizable to the health behaviors of various groups of people.
Another stance might be that these behaviors are constructed through individual perceptions.This research will search for truths based on the subjective understanding of the meanings that people attach to their actions.This stance, instead of focusing on empirical measurement, prioritizes an in-depth understanding of reality over generalizability and objectivity.
Ontology influences research by shaping the research questions, design, interpretation of findings, generalizability of results, and overall research paradigm.Researchers' ontological assumptions fundamentally shape their approach to understanding and investigating the world, ultimately influencing the direction and outcomes of their research endeavors.
For example, in health research, a researcher might explore whether patient recovery is better influenced by medication (viewing recovery as a measurable, objective reality) or by patient perception and experience (viewing recovery as a subjective, constructed reality).
These beliefs shape the research questions, design, and interpretation of findings.

Epistemology: How Do We Know What We Know?
Epistemology is like asking, "How do we know what we know?"It's all about understanding how researchers learn about the world (6).Epistemology, itself a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature, scope, and limitations of knowledge, explores questions such as: What is knowledge?How do we acquire knowledge?

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1 Philosophical pillars of research paradigm.
What are the sources of knowledge?And what are the criteria for determining whether something is true or justified?In the context of research, epistemology influences the way researchers approach the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding the world.Epistemology influences research by shaping researchers' methods of inquiry, their understanding of knowledge, their interpretation of findings, and their overall research paradigm.Researchers' epistemological beliefs play a fundamental role in determining how they acquire, evaluate, and apply knowledge within their field of study.For instance, a researcher might use controlled experiments to gather data (believing in an objective method of knowledge acquisition) or might rely on patient narratives and case studies (valuing subjective understanding and personal stories).Therefore, these differing epistemological positions demonstrate the variety of approaches that researchers might take when studying health behaviors.Methodology: How Do We Study the World?Methodology is a broad term that encompass research design, methods, and approaches used in a study.It articulates the logic and flow of the research process that results in gaining new knowledge about a topic of interest(7).It dictates the nature and extent of the assumptions researchers make about their research as well as the strength and limitation of the process of gaining the knowledge.When considering the methodology for a research proposal, researchers should ask themselves: How should we obtain the data?From whom?Why?Does it answer the research question?What is the limitation of the process?Methodology justifies the use of certain methods or tools such as survey or interview in a study.While methods are the specific tools, techniques, and procedures used to collect and analyze data, methodology is the broader approach that guides the selection of these methods based on the research paradigm.Methodology provides a logical and systematic plan for conducting a research study and ensures that the methods used are appropriate for answering the research questions.A health research example: Let's consider a hypothetical research study that is being conducted on dietary interventions for diabetes management.Axiology (Values): In this study, the researcher's Turin TC et al.Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal 2024; https://doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v17i2.73249Decoding Research: Philosophical Pillars of Research Paradigms values focus on patient-centered care and the ethical implications of dietary interventions.The researcher values non-invasive, accessible treatments that can improve quality of life for diabetes patients.These values guide the choice of the research topic itselffocusing on dietary interventions rather than more invasive medical treatments-and ensure that the study is conducted with high ethical standards, prioritizing patient welfare and informed consent.Ontology (Nature of Reality): The researcher adopts a specific view of reality that acknowledges both the biological and lifestyle aspects of diabetes management.They believe that diabetes is not only a physiological condition but also significantly influenced by individual lifestyle choices and social determinants of health.This ontological stance shapes the research questions, focusing on how dietary changes can affect diabetes management in the context of patients' real lives.Epistemology (Nature of Knowledge): Given the researcher's belief in the complex, multifaceted nature of diabetes, the epistemological approach is comprehensive.The researcher decides that understanding the effectiveness of dietary interventions requires both quantitative data (e.g., blood sugar levels, weight changes) and qualitative data (e.g., patient experiences and satisfaction with the diet).This mixedmethods approach allows the researcher to gather a broad spectrum of knowledge-from empirical data to personal experiences.Methodology (Methods of Inquiry): The methodology reflects the mixed-methods approach dictated by the epistemological stance.The researcher uses quantitative methods such as controlled clinical trials to measure the direct effects of the diet on diabetes indicators.Simultaneously, qualitative methods like interviews or focus groups are used to explore patients' attitudes towards the dietary changes, adherence challenges, and lifestyle impacts.This methodology ensures a holistic understanding of the intervention's effectiveness.Integrating the Concepts In this diabetes management study, the researcher's values (axiology) emphasize ethical, patient-centered research, influencing the choice of a non-invasive intervention.The ontological belief in diabetes as influenced by both biological and lifestyle factors shapes the research to consider broader lifestyle interventions.The epistemological stance that both quantitative and qualitative knowledge are necessary guides the selection of a mixed methods approach.This methodology, in turn, informs the specific choice of methods, such as controlled clinical trials (quantitative) and interviews or focus groups (qualitative).This integration shows how each component of the research paradigm -axiology, ontology, epistemology, and methodology -interacts to form a coherent research framework.The researcher's philosophical commitments guide every aspect of the study, from the initial question through to the methods of data collection and analysis, ensuring that the research is not only scientifically valid but also ethically sound and aligned with the researcher's values.This example illustrates how a research paradigm functions as a comprehensive framework that shapes and guides the entire research process, ensuring that all aspects of the study are coherent and aligned with the researcher's philosophical and ethical perspectives.ConclusionUnderstanding research paradigms helps us see that there are many ways to study the world.can explore different ideas and find new answers to important questions.It's like having a map and compass to guide them on their journey of new knowledge.