Methodology And Epistemology

The relationship of epistemology, methodology, and methods in advance qualitative research are of inestimable importance. Their interrelationship is uniquely suited to the proper function of the three methodologies, but with special attachment to qualitative study. Each component are interdependent on the other, and justify each other. So are all of the approaches in qualitative research, where the researcher as the instrument is able to synergize all of the parts in to a holistic whole. Epistemology justifies and evaluate while modifying methodology which in-turns guides and evaluates methods. Methods produces data which when properly analyze, has the potential to forms the basis of knowledge. Together, the three components justifies and

Some of the prime components of the foundation are epistemology, methodology, and method, all of which are interrelated and cemented together. The result of these contributes to the authenticity, reliability, and clarity that enables qualitative methodology to deliver such compelling results, and how researchers and participants are able corroborate in any study. Epistemology, in a most general way, is that branch of philosophy which is concerned with the value and origin of human knowledge, (Dubray (1909). "Epistemology determines and is made visible through method, particularly involving the participant. It also determines the objects of every social science by ascertaining their differentiating characteristics, and fixed their relations and common principles, the beginnings of their development and their special methods". In a much prescribed way, (Schwedt, 2001) concur that Epistemology is “the study of the nature of mankind, knowledge and justification.” The study of epistemological assumptions is also implicit in specific methods. It assumed that methodology includes unique ways of observing and analyzing phenomena that specifies how a method “captures” the “object” of study (Tuchman, 1978). In a similar fashion, (Moser, 2002) confirm that epistemology is more than just a study; rather, it is the theory of knowledge that gives advance qualitative research

In his 1964 book The Conduct of Inquiry, Kaplan, (1964) defined methodology as “the study, the description, the explanation, and the justification of methods, and not the methods themselves” (p. 18). His aim in the broadest sense was to illuminate his readers to the important role methodology occupies in the framework of advance qualitative research. According to the American Heritage Dictionary (2009), Methodology can properly refer to the theoretical analysis of the methods appropriate to a field of study or to the body of methods and principles particular to a branch of knowledge. Therefore it is strategic and an integrated enhancer of qualitative study. Trochim, (2008) liken advance qualitative research as a vast and complex area of methodology. Hence, consistent with other writers (Harding, 1987; and Schwedt, 2001), refer to reconstructed logic, as the product of methodological work, and thus methodologies. They argued fervently that these methodologies justify the methods used in qualitative research. They include: 1. grounded theory approaches (Charmaz, 2006; Clarke, 2005; Glaser & Strauss, 1967; Strauss & Corbin, 1998); 2. narrative, life history, testimonial, and biographical methodologies (Beverley, 2000; Hurwitz, Greenhalgh, & Skultans, 2004; Lieblich, Tuval-Mashiach, & Zilber, 1998. Therefore,