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-opt-in

[@nevegillane7523]

This is a fantastic video, thank you so much!

[@DegreeDoctor]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@unitrarenee1406]

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

[@DegreeDoctor]

You’re very welcome! ☺️

[@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! 🤓

[@asherlocke1668]

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!

[@ChelsAd]

So what epistemology and ontology would you use to look at the impact of austerity on vulnerable people - secondary research.

[@DegreeDoctor]

Thanks for your question! When it comes to choosing an epistemology and ontology, it really depends on how you want to approach your research and what you believe about the nature of knowledge and reality. I’d suggest starting by reflecting on your own assumptions and beliefs about how we can understand the impact of austerity on vulnerable people. For example, do you think there’s an objective reality that can be measured, or are you more interested in the subjective experiences and interpretations of those affected? Once you’ve thought about that, you can explore different epistemological and ontological perspectives that align with your approach. This process is crucial because it helps ensure that your research is coherent and well-grounded. It might also be helpful to look at similar studies to see how other researchers have framed their work. Good luck with your research!

[@ChelsAd]

Hi, I am interested in the impact on vulnerable people because of austerity, I.e mental health increases, suicides, poverty. I’m looking at existing research and critiquing austerity. I have no idea what epistemology or ontology to use. My lecturer mentioned critical realism as an epistemology but isn’t that ontology? Please help me, lol.

[@DegreeDoctor]

​@@ChelsAdI can understand why it might feel a bit confusing. To clear things up, critical realism is actually a research approach (called a paradigm) that includes both an ontology (what you believe the social world essentially is) and an epistemology (how you believe we should go about researching that social world). In critical realism: Ontology: It says there is a real world out there, but it’s complex and not always easy to see directly. Epistemology: It accepts that while we can study this real world, our understanding of it is always influenced by our own theories and perspectives. For your research on how austerity affects vulnerable people, critical realism could be a good fit. It lets you explore the deeper reasons behind issues like mental health problems and poverty, while recognising that our knowledge of these issues isn’t perfect and is shaped by existing research. If you’re interested in learning more, I’ve written some blog posts that explain these ideas in more detail and in a simple way. You can check them out here: www.thedegreedoctor.com/blog/category/Paradigms+Conceptual+and+Theoretical+Frameworks

[@ChelsAd]

I’m so grateful for your time Dr. So, can I use critical realism as both my ontology and epistemology? As an autistic student, this is so hard. Do you offer any 1:1 chats. So my epistemology will be critical realism and my ontology? Where does all this positivism etc come into this? How do I mention it. My theoretical frame work is social harm. I’m in a right mess.

[@DegreeDoctor]

@@ChelsAd Drop me an email at [e-mail]