RSE4801
Assignment 5 2025
Unique number:
Due Date: 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
Terms of use
views reality as socially constructed will prefer interviews, narratives,
By making and observation
use of this document you agree to:
seek
(Scotland, 2012). Others who Use this
to document
address as a guide for
injustice learning,
will choose comparison and reference
participatory purpose,
and critical
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
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 being purpose-driven (Nzama,
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 5 2025
Unique number:
Due Date: 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
Terms of use
views reality as socially constructed will prefer interviews, narratives,
By making and observation
use of this document you agree to:
seek
(Scotland, 2012). Others who Use this
to document
address as a guide for
injustice learning,
will choose comparison and reference
participatory purpose,
and critical
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
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 being purpose-driven (Nzama,
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
