Ontology and epistemology in research - They're not as complex as they sound!

Ontology and epistemology can be challenging concepts to understand, especially for postgraduate students in sociology, criminology, or criminal justice. These concepts are essential for any research project, but they can be difficult to grasp without proper guidance.
In this video, I aim to demystify ontology and epistemology for postgraduate students by providing relatable examples and practical advice. I will be discussing what ontology and epistemology are, why they are important for research, and how they relate to different research methods.
Ontology refers to the study of existence and reality. It deals with questions about what exists, how things exist, and what is real. Epistemology, on the other hand, is the study of knowledge and how we come to know things. It deals with questions about how we acquire knowledge, what counts as evidence, and how we can be certain about what we know.
In the first part of the video, I will be discussing what ontology and epistemology are and why they are important for postgraduate research. This will include an overview of the key concepts and their relevance to different research methods.
Next, I will be providing practical examples of ontology and epistemology in action. This will include discussing how different research methods, such as quantitative and qualitative methods, are influenced by ontological and epistemological assumptions.
Finally, I will be providing tips and advice for postgraduate students on how to navigate ontology and epistemology in their own research projects. This will include strategies for selecting appropriate research methods based on ontological and epistemological assumptions, as well as tips for addressing these concepts in research proposals and dissertations.
By the end of this video, postgraduate students in sociology, criminology, or criminal justice programs will have a clear understanding of what ontology and epistemology are, why they are important for research, and how to apply these concepts in their own research projects. This will enable them to produce high-quality research that is grounded in sound ontological and epistemological principles
Chapters
0:00 - 1:08 Introduction
1:09 - 4:35 Ontology
4:36 - 7:21 Epistemology
7:22 - 8:14 Summary
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Пікірлер: 52

  • @DegreeDoctor
    @DegreeDoctor7 ай бұрын

    If you want a quick reference guide to ontology and epistemology, grab my free cheat sheet at the following link: www.thedegreedoctor.com/ologies-opt-in NOTE: The video refers to "idealism", which is represented in the cheat sheet as "social constructivism".

  • @DearProfessorRF
    @DearProfessorRF11 күн бұрын

    This is the clearest explanation I have found of these two concepts. All these years have been pure mental torture trying to understand them, but I was determined to overcome the confusion.

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    11 күн бұрын

    I'm so pleased you found this helpful, that's great to read!

  • @iainmccallum3860
    @iainmccallum38604 ай бұрын

    Thanks for taking the time to do this Elizabeth. I have watched a number of videos on this subject and I found yours to be the most clear, concise and comprehensive of the whole lot. You have a new subscriber.

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    4 ай бұрын

    You are so welcome! I’m really pleased this video helped. Welcome to my channel!

  • @snusardetbasta
    @snusardetbasta7 ай бұрын

    Just had a class on this, I was completely lost. After watching ur video, it's so much clear. Thank you so much!

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    7 ай бұрын

    I’m so pleased you found it helpful! I have an Ontology and Epistemology Cheat Sheet you might also find useful - here’s the link www.thedegreedoctor.com/ologies-opt-in

  • @Meiyi666

    @Meiyi666

    7 ай бұрын

    metoo!lost nowhere!

  • @Pickett1312
    @Pickett1312 Жыл бұрын

    Priceless. Thank you.

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    Жыл бұрын

    You’re very welcome! Glad you found it helpful 🤓

  • @gadihelephetoe6837
    @gadihelephetoe68374 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for this video!! After hours of reading up on these topics I finally understand what each means

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    4 ай бұрын

    You are so welcome! I’m glad this helped you, thanks for watching! 🙏

  • @pauljohnson7791
    @pauljohnson77912 ай бұрын

    This an excellent video. The explanatory part is perfectly classic explanation from your intro with its classic parts through to your summary. The best part - the value added - was how seamlessly you linked your bonafides with your subscription ask - absolutely the best I've seen yet and I've watched a lot of videos. I hope you find this encouraging!

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    2 ай бұрын

    Thank you, much appreciated! Thanks for watching!

  • @tgnm5194
    @tgnm51946 ай бұрын

    You've given a pretty clear explanation. Many thanks

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    6 ай бұрын

    You’re very welcome! 🤓

  • @christinaaugustin4494
    @christinaaugustin44942 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much, I wish you were my lecturer!

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    2 ай бұрын

    Aww, you’re welcome! That’s lovely to read, thank you!

  • @waela1222
    @waela12222 ай бұрын

    Thank you very much for the useful information. Great video 👍🏻

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    2 ай бұрын

    You’re very welcome! ☺️

  • @rii85
    @rii85 Жыл бұрын

    Very helpful as always. Thank you!

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    Жыл бұрын

    You’re very welcome! 🤓

  • @favour1975
    @favour19754 ай бұрын

    this is fab...the best explanation on the planet

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    4 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for watching! Your comment has made my day, I’m so pleased I could help 😊

  • @user-op8iz3lj8i
    @user-op8iz3lj8i7 ай бұрын

    Thankyou so much, I was feeling really confused on this and you have explained it so well.

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    7 ай бұрын

    You're very welcome! Ontology and epistemology can seem a bit mind boggling at first, but once you get to grips with them, there's no stopping you! I do have a free ontology and epistemology cheat sheet if you'd find that helpful, it's available at this link www.thedegreedoctor.com/ologies-opt-in

  • @margaridadinissaldanhadaga1833
    @margaridadinissaldanhadaga18333 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for this clear explanation. It will be very useful for my PhD project!

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    3 ай бұрын

    You’re very welcome! So pleased it was helpful for you! 🤓

  • @ragoo7722
    @ragoo7722 Жыл бұрын

    helpful video, very interesting and educational

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I hope it answered your ontology and epistemology questions! 🤓

  • @eddiemwenya3935
    @eddiemwenya39352 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this wonderful lecture.

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    2 ай бұрын

    You’re very welcome! So pleased you found it helpful 🤓☺️🙏

  • @user-kb1xl7jn4g
    @user-kb1xl7jn4g2 ай бұрын

    Thank you very much for this video. I am now ready for my test on the 4th of April. Much love from South Africa

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    2 ай бұрын

    That’s so great to read! All the best for your test!

  • @tonyraymond211
    @tonyraymond2114 ай бұрын

    Thank you! After spending hours reading journal articles, I found this video which made everything make more sense!

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    4 ай бұрын

    You're very welcome! I'm so glad it was helpful. Ontology and epistemology are among the concepts that most academic texts render completely incomprehensible!

  • @tonyraymond211

    @tonyraymond211

    4 ай бұрын

    What is the best way to cite you? Obviously, while KZread helps with my understanding, it may not quality as "formal" peer-reviewed journal articles! @@DegreeDoctor

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    4 ай бұрын

    Indeed, although I think the feedback from viewers here on KZread is 100 times better than any peer review! I've changed my explanations and ways of presenting material more on here in response to comments than in 20 years of getting my work peer reviewed, lol! Here is the reference for the video in the Harvard format, you just need to add the accessed date e.g. "Accessed 24 January 2024": Yardley, E. (2022) Ontology and Epistemology in Research - They’re not as complex as they sound! Degree Doctor. 17 November. Available from: kzread.info/dash/bejne/lZihzcZ_eqTKnto.html [Accessed date].

  • @katrinastobie3324
    @katrinastobie33245 ай бұрын

    Thank you, this has helped me.

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    5 ай бұрын

    You're welcome!

  • @louloualgosaibi4722
    @louloualgosaibi47222 ай бұрын

    Thanks for this. Are a relativist and idealist approach the same?

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for your question! Here are my thoughts on this: Relativism and idealism are related concepts, but they are not exactly the same thing. Relativism: Relativism argues that truth, knowledge, or morality are not absolute or universal, but rather are relative to different individuals, cultures, or historical contexts. In other words, what is considered true or moral can vary depending on the perspective or cultural framework. Relativism acknowledges the diversity of human experiences and viewpoints. Idealism: Idealism emphasises the role of ideas, thoughts, or mental constructs in shaping our understanding of reality. It posits that reality is fundamentally mental or immaterial, and that the physical world is, in some sense, dependent on the mind. Idealism suggests that the world as we perceive it is a product of our minds or consciousness, rather than existing independently of our perceptions. While there can be overlaps between relativism and idealism, they address different aspects of research. Relativism focuses on the variability of truth or morality across different perspectives, while idealism focuses on the relationship between the mind and reality. It's possible for someone to hold relativistic views about truth or morality while also subscribing to an idealistic perspective on the nature of reality, but they are distinct concepts. Hope that's helpful!

  • @DearProfessorRF
    @DearProfessorRF11 күн бұрын

    Now what I need to understand is how they are used as adverbs like when describing something as ontological or epistemological.

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    11 күн бұрын

    Great question! When we describe something as "ontological" or "epistemological," we're using adjectives (not adverbs) to specify the type of issue or perspective we're addressing. If something is "ontological," it's about the nature of being. For example, an "ontological question" might be, "What does it mean for something to be real?" If something is "epistemological," it's about understanding and knowledge. For example, an "epistemological question" could be, "How do we know what is true?" So, when you hear "ontological argument," it means a discussion about existence. When you hear "epistemological issue," it means a discussion about knowledge and understanding. I hope this makes it clearer!

  • @thecandyman9308
    @thecandyman9308Ай бұрын

    How does one juxtapose technology against epistemology?

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    Ай бұрын

    Juxtaposing technology against epistemology might involve examining how technological advancements influence the way we understand the world. It’s about comparing the methods and implications of technology with the theories and principles of epistemology, the study of knowledge. For instance, you could discuss how the internet has revolutionised access to information and challenged traditional notions of authority in knowledge acquisition.

  • @jasminepercha561
    @jasminepercha5614 ай бұрын

    Hey could you suggest some reference on both ontology and epistemology please, I am already in your news letter and I already get tge sheet chat on ontology and epistemology

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    4 ай бұрын

    There is a fantastic book by Norman Blaikie and Jan Priest called "Social Research: Paradigms in action", which explains all of these concepts really well.

  • @jasminepercha561

    @jasminepercha561

    4 ай бұрын

    @@DegreeDoctor thanks a lot for your help

  • @derricksowers9074
    @derricksowers90745 ай бұрын

    Epistemology; positivists: male interpretivists: female I found this video during watching Jordan Peterson and Michael Malices conversation Discussing Communism. I think i am going to go watch some more of your videos.

  • @DegreeDoctor

    @DegreeDoctor

    5 ай бұрын

    Thank you! Welcome to the channel! 🤓

  • @derricksowers9074

    @derricksowers9074

    5 ай бұрын

    @@DegreeDoctor Do you disagree/agree, with my interpretation of male vs female Epistemology? I am actually curious.