Research Theory, Design, and Methods Definitions

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Note: Creswell (2008) are using these terms interchangeably; however, they are often used as separate definitions as described below. In addition, I didn't have the formal definition for your Creswell (2008) reference. Please make the correction in the reference list. I hope this clarifies Creswell's use of the terminology.

(1) State your definitions of the following terms: (a) philosophy of science, (b) paradigm, (c) epistemology, and (d) ontology. [Provide] the distinction between and among these terms, and an explanation of why these terms are important for researchers to know.

(a) A philosophy of science refers to examining and justifying scientific knowledge of a particular subject matter. For example, Creswell (2008) points to philosophy as one component that goes into developing a research design. For instance, he describes a research design as involving the interaction of philosophy, inquiry and specific methods (p.5). Thus a philosophy of science would be an interaction between methods of and theories of science.

(b) A paradigm is a set of beliefs or model. For example, a scientific model is a belief system (paradigm), or a set of theoretical beliefs that guides a research design, Creswell uses the term 'worldview' (p.6).

(c) Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that is concerned with knowledge. In the field of philosophy knowledge is gathered regarding what is known about science (i.e., beliefs). As Creswell (2008) explains, the types of beliefs or worldviews a research holds will dictate a ...