Lecture note on research philosophy for MBA students
Highlight 4 main ideas and 4 practice advices based on
the 4 ideas on each of the following 3 topics in the context of MBA
dissertation projects: 1. ontology 2. epistemology 3. auxiology
Based on MBA
dissertation research methodology, here are the 4 main ideas and 4
corresponding practice advices for each of the three philosophical
topics:
1. ONTOLOGY (Nature of Reality)
4 Main Ideas
|
Idea |
Explanation |
|
Definition |
Ontology is the
"science or study of being" dealing with what constitutes
reality |
|
Core Question |
"What is the nature of
reality?" — whether social entities exist objectively or are
subjectively created |
|
Two Positions |
Objectivism (positivism): reality exists external to
social actors; Subjectivism (constructionism/ interpretivism):
reality is created by social actors' perceptions |
|
Research Impact |
Ontological choice determines
research design — influencing epistemology, approach, strategy, and
data collection methods |
4 Practice Advices
1.
Specify your
stance early: Explicitly state
whether you adopt objectivism or constructivism in your
methodology chapter, with 1 page sufficient for MBA level
2.
Provide formal
definition: Use and
reference books rather than web pages when defining ontology
formally
3.
Justify with aims: Explain your rationale by referring to
your research aims and objectives
4.
Discuss
implications: Show how your
ontological choice impacts your epistemology, research approach,
strategy, and data collection methods
2. EPISTEMOLOGY (Nature of Knowledge)
4 Main Ideas
|
Idea |
Explanation |
|
Definition |
Epistemology deals
with sources, nature, possibilities, and limitations of knowledge in
your field of study |
|
Core Questions |
"What is
knowledge?", "Do we have knowledge?", "How can we gain
knowledge?" |
|
Two Major
Debates |
Empiricism: accepts observation/feelings/senses as
valid; Rationalism: relies on empirical findings through reliable
measures |
|
Research
Philosophy Link |
Positivism = only observable phenomena/facts; Interpretivism =
subjective meanings and non-quantifiable data |
4 Practice Advices
1.
Provide multiple
definitions: For MBA
dissertation, provide several definitions from relevant sources and
specify which you adapt
2.
Clarify acceptable
knowledge: Discuss
what is and is not accepted as knowledge in your research,
justified by research aims
3.
Match philosophy
to methods: Specify
the research philosophy and methods corresponding to your
epistemology (e.g., positivism → observable data)
4.
Discuss knowledge
sources: Address
both general knowledge sources (intuitive, authoritarian, logical,
empirical) and those used in your research
3. AXIOLOGY (Values & Ethics)
(Note: User wrote
"auxiology" but the correct term is "axiology")
4 Main Ideas
|
Idea |
Explanation |
|
Definition |
Axiology examines the
nature of values and ethics and how they shape research decisions
and interpretations |
|
Core Function |
It's a practical
tool influencing perspectives, choices, and methodological approach
— not just theoretical |
|
Two Positions |
Objective
axiology: research should be
value-free/neutral; Subjective axiology: research is influenced
by researcher's values/experiences |
|
Key Impacts |
Shapes topic selection,
ethics (morally right/wrong), bias awareness, and broader societal
impact of work |
4 Practice Advices
1.
Articulate your
values: Clearly understand
and articulate the values influencing your choices in topic selection
and research conduct
2.
Examine bias
balance: Assess the balance
between subjectivity and objectivity to become aware of biases and
their potential impact
3.
Guide ethics
consciously: Consider what
is morally right/wrong in data collection, analysis, and
interpretation
4.
Write an axiology
statement: Create a
well-written statement demonstrating alignment between philosophical
stance and chosen methods to strengthen dissertation quality
A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.
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