Ontology and epistemology explained, a simple guide for PhD and masters degree research students

[@DegreeDoctor]

Grab your Ontology and Epistemology PDF Cheat Sheet here: www.thedegreedoctor.com/ologies-download

[@nevegillane7523]

This is a fantastic video, thank you so much!

[@DegreeDoctor]

You're very welcome! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@unitrarenee1406]

BEST explanation so far!!! 🙏 🙌 Thank you 😊

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re very welcome! ☺️

[@emwa3299]

Not a social scientist - but really enjoyed this thought-provoking video. Questions all of us can revel and learn within..

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thanks for commenting, I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@emmkay5759]

Thank you Dr Yardley. This simplified explanation has helped a.

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re very welcome! ☺️

[@Love_B_]

This is such an amazing explanation ❤

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thank you! I’m so pleased it was helpful! 🤓

[@freyapretty452]

I genuinely love you - I have struggled so much to understand this and this just made it click in my head, thank you! Please keep making videos!

[@DegreeDoctor]

You're so welcome! I sure will keep making videos, and comments like yours remind me why I do it in the first place, thanks for stopping by and sharing your kind words!

[@zane_5933]

Thanks a lot professor

[@DegreeDoctor]

You are welcome!

[@thomasjones9394]

I am unable to download any of your cheat sheets. Thank you for the video.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Which cheat sheets are you looking for? Drop us an email at [e-mail] and we’ll try to help.

[@Pheobelocke]

thank you! I'm trying to read Being and Nothingness by Sartre and this will make it slightly less torturous

[@DegreeDoctor]

So glad you found it helpful! All the best with Sartre!

[@theanonymousdog9812]

Would it be fair to say that ontology and epistemology both exist across a spectrum? Ontology: Objectivism/Realism through to Subjectivism/Idealism. (The middle ground would be Critical Realism)? Epistemology: Positivism through to Interpretivism. (The middle ground would be Pragmatism)? What confuses me is all of the other additional terminology…for example: Critical Social Theory, Phenomenology, Post-modern critical theory, Constructionism, and Constructivism. Then as if that wasn’t enough to get one’s head around, there are various philosophical orientations: Purist, Situationist, Congruence-with-theory, Blended philosophies, A-paradigmatic. It is all way too much to understand and get one’s head around! 🤯

[@DegreeDoctor]

You're absolutely right - ontology and epistemology can be thought of as existing on spectrums, which makes Critical Realism and Pragmatism feel like natural 'middle ground' positions for many researchers. The additional terminology can feel overwhelming, but it often reflects subtle nuances or overlaps between paradigms. Try focusing on what aligns best with your research questions and approach, and the rest will gradually make more sense. You're doing great tackling this tricky topic - keep going!

[@theanonymousdog9812]

@@DegreeDoctor Thank you for your fast reply 😃. I think what adds to the confusion is that certain phrases often mean the same thing, or are used interchangeably. For example subjectivism/idealism/social constructivism I have seen used interchangeably in reference to ontology. It can be difficult as a student new to this area of study to navigate these concepts. Academia often uses esoteric language which frustratingly can make certain theories inaccessible to many. This can feel rather disempowering for postgraduate students. Anyway thank you for all the great work you are doing. You are helping many postgrad students retain their sanity!

[@girummamushet1260]

What about pragmatism?

[@girummamushet1260]

Sorry for jumping for a question. It is very interesting lesson. Thank you very much.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Sure! Pragmatism is a paradigm, as it provides a framework for understanding how we approach research, focusing on practical outcomes and "what works." On the other hand, ontology and epistemology are not paradigms themselves - they are foundational concepts that underlie paradigms. I hope this helps!