Epistemology in Research
In research, an epistemological stance will influence how you choose a research topic as well as the methodology and methods you use. Review the resources this week to explore the role of epistemology in research.
In what ways does the choice of an epistemological perspective or stance influence the formulation of a management research problem?
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An epistemological perspective or stance is based on the study, which “investigates the possibility, limits, origin, structure, methods and truthfulness of knowledge and how knowledge can be acquired, validated and applied” (Phiri, 2013). This means the management researcher would be involved in determining the likelihood of the event or behavior, constraints of the event or behavior, why the event or behavior might occur or begin, as well as the framework associated with the event or behavior. The management researcher would base this study on the concept of qualitative knowledge, searching for proven facts rather than subjective reasoning based upon their own viewpoint or philosophical bent. In essence, it is how the researcher and his or her team can explain occurrences and how the researchers’ opinion is separated from proven research.
By choosing to use an epistemological perspective or stance in the formulation of a management research problem, the researcher and his or her team is agreeing to evaluate the source of knowledge and not simply accept belief as fact. This is important since human behavior is often guided by what each of us believes, rather than what we know. This directs choosing how the research project is chosen, the methods to be used and the methodology in a way that the management researcher and his or her team must consider. The use of this perspective by the management researcher causes the researcher to be more evaluative of all inputs, leaving beliefs behind and focusing on knowing the variables …
