Methodological Framework

Methodological Framework

Introduction

In order to develop practices and policies that drive desirable behavior, it is necessary to understand the common experiences of those that have experienced a phenomenon and the assumptions that they hold (Cresswell, 2007). Webster's Dictionary defined methodology as “a branch of philosophy dealing with the science of method or procedure”.An example of nursing care in light of phenomenology has been discussed. The study employed a social constructivist perspective in guiding the inquiry. Among this chapter, these frameworks are explored in further detail. This research paper also described the detailed procedures related to how the investigation would be performed and who would participate.

Discussion

Philosophical Framework or Paradigm

Groenewald (2004) defined the philosophical framework or paradigm as “The patterning of the thinking of a person; it is a principal example among example, an exemplar or model to follow according to which design actions are taken” . The philosophical framework provided the researcher with the basic methods and rules that were proven to be relevant to the studies of other researchers but the primary purpose of the framework is to “make sense of the data, to provide some coherent explanation for why people are doing or saying what they are doing or saying” (Anfara & Mertz, 2006). Flood (2010) summarized these affirmations and stated that “a theoretical perspective supports the philosophical stance underpinning a methodology and provides a context for the process involved and a basis for its logic and criteria”.

Understanding the basic assumptions and perspectives taken by the researcher is central to evaluating the planned research methodology as well as the subsequent findings and recommendations resulting from the study (Cresswell, 2007). Cresswell (2007) presented an adaptation of Guba and Lincoln's (1988) axiomatic issues that define the basic philosophical assumptions (i.e., ontological, epistemological, axiological, rhetorical, and methodological) found in qualitative research as well as how these assumptions translate into practice. Cresswell observed that these assumptions reflect the direction that researchers would take in performing a qualitative research project.

Ontological assumptions are those that frame human understanding of the nature of reality (Cresswell, 2007). Among qualitative research, reality is explored from the perspectives of these involved in the study and is subject to their individual experiences (Cresswell, 2007). Laverty (2003) cited Denzin & Lincoln (2000) and observed that “realities are not more or less true; rather they are simply more or less informed”.

Epistemological assumptions pertain to the nature of the relationship between the topic of study and the researcher (Cresswell, 2007). Flood (2010) observed that epistemology for phenomenological research is directed toward the search for meaning instead of advocating a certain point of view or developing theory. Cresswell (2007) observed that epistemological assumptions ask of the researcher, “How do we know when we know?” Epistemology is, therefore, the study of how we, as human beings, acquire and process knowledge.

Axiological assumptions are an acknowledgement that personal values play a role in the research and recognize that biases might exist. Laverty (2003) once again cited Denzin & Lincoln when she concurred with their viewpoint ...