Foundations in Scientific Research: From Axiology to Data Collection

Embarking on a research journey without a clear philosophical foundation is like setting sail without a compass. Brown & Dueñas (2019) highlight that establishing this foundation is the crucial first step in any scientific inquiry. Their model outlines six core components that guide researchers from the very start to the final stages of data collection.

The Six Core Components of Research

These components represent the backbone of the research process, moving from abstract values to concrete data collection:

Axiology: What do we value in research? This involves reflecting on the ethical and value-based considerations that influence the study.
Ontology: What is the nature of reality? Researchers must decide whether reality is objective and independent or constructed by human experience.
Epistemology: What can we know, and how can we know it? This defines the limits and sources of knowledge.
Methodology: How do we go about acquiring knowledge? This is the overall strategy or plan for the research.
Methods: What specific techniques will we use? These are the practical tools like surveys, experiments, or interviews.
Sources: What kinds of data are available to collect? This concerns the origin and type of information that will be gathered.

Why Is This Important?

Understanding these foundational elements helps researchers:

Clarify the philosophical stance of their study
Ensure consistency between their values, methods, and outcomes
Avoid contradictions in research design
Confidently justify their methodological choices
Enhance the overall quality and rigor of their research

This clarity is essential-not only for academic integrity but also for producing meaningful and trustworthy results.

Exploring Research Paradigms

Brown & Dueñas (2019) also identify four major research paradigms, each grounded in different philosophical assumptions:

Positivist: Believes in an objective reality that can be measured through quantitative methods.
Post-positivist: Accepts an objective reality but recognizes human limitations in fully understanding it.
Constructivist: Views reality as socially constructed, emphasizing qualitative insights.
Critical Theory: Focuses on power structures and aims to promote social change.

Each paradigm shapes how researchers approach their questions, methods, and interpretations.

Final Thoughts

Every methodological decision in research is rooted in philosophy. Understanding these foundations isn’t just an academic exercise-it’s essential for designing coherent, impactful research. Instead of treating methods as isolated tools, align them with your values, your view of reality, and your beliefs about knowledge construction.

By doing so, you ensure your research is not only methodologically sound but also philosophically consistent and meaningful.

Reference:
Brown, M. E., & Dueñas, A. N. (2020). A medical science educator’s guide to selecting a research paradigm. Medical Science Educator, 30(1), 545-553.