Ontology, Epistemology, Strategy and Method in Educational Research. A Critical Realist Approach
Ontologie, épistémologie, stratégie et méthode dans la recherche educative. Une perspective du réalisme critique;
Ontologia, epistemologia, estratégia e método em pesquisa educativa. Um enfoque do realismo crítico
Autor
Scott, David; University of London
Institución
Resumen
This article focuses on the development of a meta-theory for the use and application of qualitative strategies and methods. This meta-theory is sometimes referred to as critical realism, though it is important to acknowledge that there are in existence a number of rival theories that are described as critical realist. The suggestion being made here is that methods and strategies used by researchers to collect and analyse data in the world cannot be a-epistemic, but in every case are underpinned by ontological and epistemological frameworks. In particular, the issue of causality is central to any framework that is adopted. Since researchers cannot avoid these philosophical issues then it is obligatory for them to base their methods, strategies and modus operandi on a meta-theory which is both more rational and, in addition, fully comprehensive.