HOPEACADEMY
RSE 4801
Assignment 5
Due: Friday, 3 November 2025
2015
Assignment question
It can be argued that a researcher’s choice of method(ologies)
are fundamentally informed and shaped by their research aims
and their philosophical worldview.
In light of the statement above, in 2500 – 3000 words discuss
the relationship between a researcher’s philosophical
assumptions and their method(ological) choices.
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
, RSE 4801 Assignment 5
Open date: Thursday, 02 October 2025
Due date: Due: Friday, 3 November 2025
Assignment question
It can be argued that a researcher’s choice of method(ologies) are
fundamentally informed and shaped by their research aims and their
philosophical worldview.
In light of the statement above, in 2500 – 3000 words discuss the relationship
between a researcher’s philosophical assumptions and their method(ological)
choices.
Research is never neutral—it is shaped by the researcher’s beliefs about
reality (ontology), knowledge (epistemology), and values (axiology). These
philosophical assumptions form the foundation of a research paradigm, which
in turn influences the choice of methodology. As Saunders et al. (2019) argue,
understanding the philosophical underpinnings of research is essential for
selecting appropriate methods that align with the research aims. This essay
explores the relationship between philosophical assumptions and
methodological choices, focusing on key paradigms and their implications for
research design.
Philosophical Assumptions in Research
Ontology is a key part of research philosophy because it shapes how a
researcher understands the nature of reality. A realist believes that reality
exists outside of human thoughts and can be measured and observed. For
example, a realist studying poverty would rely on hard data like income levels,
employment rates, and housing conditions to define and explain the problem.
This approach assumes that facts are fixed and can be discovered through
objective methods.
RSE 4801
Assignment 5
Due: Friday, 3 November 2025
2015
Assignment question
It can be argued that a researcher’s choice of method(ologies)
are fundamentally informed and shaped by their research aims
and their philosophical worldview.
In light of the statement above, in 2500 – 3000 words discuss
the relationship between a researcher’s philosophical
assumptions and their method(ological) choices.
0 7 6 4 0 3 1 2 2 9
, RSE 4801 Assignment 5
Open date: Thursday, 02 October 2025
Due date: Due: Friday, 3 November 2025
Assignment question
It can be argued that a researcher’s choice of method(ologies) are
fundamentally informed and shaped by their research aims and their
philosophical worldview.
In light of the statement above, in 2500 – 3000 words discuss the relationship
between a researcher’s philosophical assumptions and their method(ological)
choices.
Research is never neutral—it is shaped by the researcher’s beliefs about
reality (ontology), knowledge (epistemology), and values (axiology). These
philosophical assumptions form the foundation of a research paradigm, which
in turn influences the choice of methodology. As Saunders et al. (2019) argue,
understanding the philosophical underpinnings of research is essential for
selecting appropriate methods that align with the research aims. This essay
explores the relationship between philosophical assumptions and
methodological choices, focusing on key paradigms and their implications for
research design.
Philosophical Assumptions in Research
Ontology is a key part of research philosophy because it shapes how a
researcher understands the nature of reality. A realist believes that reality
exists outside of human thoughts and can be measured and observed. For
example, a realist studying poverty would rely on hard data like income levels,
employment rates, and housing conditions to define and explain the problem.
This approach assumes that facts are fixed and can be discovered through
objective methods.
