RSE4801
Assignment 5 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 3 November 2025
THE INFLUENCE OF PHILOSOPHICAL ASSUMPTIONS ON RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY: UNDERSTANDING HOW WORLDVIEWS SHAPE EDUCATIONAL
RESEARCH
1. INTRODUCTION
Every research project begins with the researcher’s view of what reality is, how knowledge
can be known, and what values guide the process. These philosophical ideas shape every
choice that follows, from the questions asked to the methods used to find answers. In social
science and educational research, these assumptions are not abstract theories but living
foundations that influence how researchers approach human experience and meaning.
According to Nzama (2025), a researcher’s methods are never neutral tools; they are rooted
in deeper assumptions about truth, knowledge, and ethics.
Philosophical assumptions influence the logic of research design and the kinds of
conclusions that can be drawn. A researcher who believes that reality can be measured
objectively will use structured methods such as experiments and surveys, while one who
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
THE INFLUENCE OF PHILOSOPHICAL ASSUMPTIONS ON RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY: UNDERSTANDING HOW WORLDVIEWS SHAPE
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
1. INTRODUCTION
Every research project begins with the researcher’s view of what reality is, how
knowledge can be known, and what values guide the process. These philosophical
ideas shape every choice that follows, from the questions asked to the methods
used to find answers. In social science and educational research, these assumptions
are not abstract theories but living foundations that influence how researchers
approach human experience and meaning. According to Nzama (2025), a
researcher’s methods are never neutral tools; they are rooted in deeper assumptions
about truth, knowledge, and ethics.
Philosophical assumptions influence the logic of research design and the kinds of
conclusions that can be drawn. A researcher who believes that reality can be
measured objectively will use structured methods such as experiments and surveys,
while one who views reality as socially constructed will prefer interviews, narratives,
and observation (Scotland, 2012). Others who seek to address injustice will choose
participatory and critical approaches that give voice to marginalised groups (Willis,
2007). This essay explores how philosophical worldviews shape methodological
choices. It discusses ontology, epistemology, and axiology as the basis of research
paradigms, and explains how these beliefs lead to quantitative, qualitative, and
mixed-methods approaches that align with specific research aims and contexts.
2. PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF RESEARCH
Every research study is grounded in a set of philosophical assumptions about reality,
knowledge, and values. These assumptions are not always spoken about directly,
but they influence how research questions are framed, which participants are
selected, which methods are chosen, and how findings are interpreted. In essence,
philosophy silently guides the direction of research. Without awareness of these
foundations, research risks becoming blind, inconsistent, or method-driven instead of
Assignment 5 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 3 November 2025
THE INFLUENCE OF PHILOSOPHICAL ASSUMPTIONS ON RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY: UNDERSTANDING HOW WORLDVIEWS SHAPE EDUCATIONAL
RESEARCH
1. INTRODUCTION
Every research project begins with the researcher’s view of what reality is, how knowledge
can be known, and what values guide the process. These philosophical ideas shape every
choice that follows, from the questions asked to the methods used to find answers. In social
science and educational research, these assumptions are not abstract theories but living
foundations that influence how researchers approach human experience and meaning.
According to Nzama (2025), a researcher’s methods are never neutral tools; they are rooted
in deeper assumptions about truth, knowledge, and ethics.
Philosophical assumptions influence the logic of research design and the kinds of
conclusions that can be drawn. A researcher who believes that reality can be measured
objectively will use structured methods such as experiments and surveys, while one who
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
THE INFLUENCE OF PHILOSOPHICAL ASSUMPTIONS ON RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY: UNDERSTANDING HOW WORLDVIEWS SHAPE
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
1. INTRODUCTION
Every research project begins with the researcher’s view of what reality is, how
knowledge can be known, and what values guide the process. These philosophical
ideas shape every choice that follows, from the questions asked to the methods
used to find answers. In social science and educational research, these assumptions
are not abstract theories but living foundations that influence how researchers
approach human experience and meaning. According to Nzama (2025), a
researcher’s methods are never neutral tools; they are rooted in deeper assumptions
about truth, knowledge, and ethics.
Philosophical assumptions influence the logic of research design and the kinds of
conclusions that can be drawn. A researcher who believes that reality can be
measured objectively will use structured methods such as experiments and surveys,
while one who views reality as socially constructed will prefer interviews, narratives,
and observation (Scotland, 2012). Others who seek to address injustice will choose
participatory and critical approaches that give voice to marginalised groups (Willis,
2007). This essay explores how philosophical worldviews shape methodological
choices. It discusses ontology, epistemology, and axiology as the basis of research
paradigms, and explains how these beliefs lead to quantitative, qualitative, and
mixed-methods approaches that align with specific research aims and contexts.
2. PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF RESEARCH
Every research study is grounded in a set of philosophical assumptions about reality,
knowledge, and values. These assumptions are not always spoken about directly,
but they influence how research questions are framed, which participants are
selected, which methods are chosen, and how findings are interpreted. In essence,
philosophy silently guides the direction of research. Without awareness of these
foundations, research risks becoming blind, inconsistent, or method-driven instead of
