RSE4801 Assignment 5 2025 (Comprehensive Answers) Due 3 November 2025

RSE4801
Assignment 5
Due 3 November 2025

,RSE4801

Assignment 5

Due 3 November 2025




Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 3

2. Philosophical Assumptions in Research ...................................................................... 5

2.1 Ontology: Understanding Reality ........................................................................... 5

2.2 Epistemology: The Nature and Source of Knowledge ........................................... 6

2.3 Axiology: The Role of Values ................................................................................. 6

2.4 Research Paradigms and Their Philosophical Foundations................................... 7

2.5 Interconnection of Philosophical Assumptions ....................................................... 7

3. Research Methodology and Methods .......................................................................... 9

3.1 Distinguishing Methodology from Methods ............................................................ 9

3.2 Methodological Approaches and Philosophical Alignment ..................................... 9

3.3 The Role of Methodological Coherence ............................................................... 11

3.4 Reflexivity and Researcher Positioning ............................................................... 12

3.5 Methodological Rigor and Adaptability ................................................................. 12

4. The Relationship Between Philosophical Assumptions and Methodology ................. 13

4.1 The Philosophical Roots of Methodological Choice ............................................. 13

4.2 Ontological and Epistemological Alignment ......................................................... 14

4.3 Coherence and Credibility in Research Design ................................................... 14

, 4.4 The Reciprocal Nature of Philosophy and Methodology ...................................... 15

4.5 The Consequences of Misalignment .................................................................... 16

5. Implications of Methodological Choices on Research Outcomes .............................. 17

5.1 Shaping the Nature and Scope of Findings ......................................................... 17

5.2 Credibility, Validity, and Trustworthiness .............................................................. 18

5.3 Ethical and Political Implications .......................................................................... 18

5.4 Impact on Interpretation and Knowledge Construction ........................................ 19

5.5 Methodological Influence on Generalizability and Applicability ............................ 19

5.6 Methodology and the Evolution of Knowledge ..................................................... 20

6. Critiques and Alternative Perspectives ...................................................................... 21

6.1 The Critique of Paradigm Rigidity ........................................................................ 21

6.2 Pragmatism and Methodological Flexibility .......................................................... 21

6.3 Critical and Postmodern Perspectives ................................................................. 22

6.4 Methodological Pluralism and Integration ............................................................ 23

6.5 Reflexivity as a Bridge Between Philosophy and Practice ................................... 23

6.6 The Continuing Debate: Coherence versus Creativity ......................................... 24

7. Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 25

8. References ................................................................................................................ 26