In our experience, students often assume that a single block of assumptions is sufficient. But, a strong Chapter 1 should differentiate between the FOUR types of assumptions in qualitative research: (a) Ontological, (b) Epistemological, (c) Axiological, and (d) Methodological.

The Four Types of Assumptions in Qualitative Research

Embarking on the journey of a doctoral dissertation is no small feat. A cornerstone of rigorous academic research, a dissertation’s foundation often rests on a bedrock of assumptions. These assumptions set the stage for the research, guiding its design, data collection, and interpretation. But what are these assumptions, and why should doctoral candidates care about them?

Drawing from the work of Creswell and Poth (2016), let’s dive into the four critical types of assumptions every doctoral student should know:

1. Ontological Assumptions (Four Assumptions in Qualitative Research)
Ontological questions revolve around the nature of reality. In qualitative research, there isn’t just one reality; there are multiple. This multiplicity is evident when different researchers, study participants, and readers interpret the same scenario in different ways. As a doctoral student, you may view your study participants’ experiences differently. This variety isn’t a pitfall but a richness of qualitative research. For instance, in phenomenological studies, the differing individual experiences add depth and breadth to the research findings.

2. Epistemological Assumptions (Four Assumptions in Qualitative Research)
Epistemology deals with how we know what we know. In qualitative research, the goal is to come as close as possible to the participants’ lived experiences. This means knowledge is often gleaned from subjective experiences, making “field” studies pivotal. The closer you are to your participants’ context, the more genuine and nuanced your insights will be. Think about ethnography. It necessitates a prolonged stay at the research site to grasp the intricacies of the environment and its people.

3. Axiological Assumptions (Four Assumptions in Qualitative Research)
Values are integral to research. While all researchers bring their values to a study, qualitative researchers make a point of declaring them. This transparency is what sets qualitative research apart. As you navigate your doctoral journey, remember that admitting biases, values, and personal experiences can enrich your study rather than detract from it. Your unique positionality (e.g., age, race, political beliefs, or other factors) affects how you interpret and present findings.

4. Methodological Assumptions (Four Assumptions in Qualitative Research)
The methodological assumption underscores that qualitative research is dynamic, often evolving as the study progresses. As a budding researcher, it’s essential to understand that sometimes the initial research questions or strategies need to be tweaked as you delve deeper into the data. The iterative process is not a deviation from qualitative research but a hallmark of it, enabling a deeper understanding of the topic.h

What Might This Look Like in Actual Research?

Let’s assume (ha ha) our researcher, whom we’ll call Tonya, is a woman in a leadership position at a mid-sized company, and she is studying women in leadership roles. Here’s how each type discussed above might be addressed:

1. Ontological Assumptions(Four Types of Assumptions in Research)
Given the topic of “women in leadership roles,” participants might describe different realities based on their experiences. A CEO in a tech startup might perceive leadership challenges differently from a principal in a school. While both are women in leadership roles, their contexts shape unique realities and challenges.

2. Epistemological Assumptions((Four Assumptions in Qualitative Research)
As a female leader, Tonya might opt for in-depth interviews with other female leaders to better understand their personal experiences. With her firsthand experience in a leadership role, her interactions might be more insightful, allowing participants to share deeper truths due to the shared understanding and camaraderie. When your questions hinge on lived experience and sense-making, narrative inquiry aligns well with the assumptions of qualitative research.

3. Axiological Assumptions((Four Assumptions in Qualitative Research)
Tonya’s experience as a female leader could influence her values and biases during the study. She might be empathetic toward challenges such as gender bias or work-life balance struggles. Acknowledging these values, she ensures transparency by stating in her research that her personal experiences could shape her interpretations and perspectives.

4. Methodological Assumptions (Four Assumptions in Qualitative Research)
Tonya might have initially planned to interview only female CEOs in the corporate sector. However, as she gets deeper into the process, she realizes that expanding her scope to include female leaders in non-profit organizations or educational institutions might offer a more comprehensive understanding. Therefore, she modifies her methodology, allowing the study to evolve based on the emerging data and insights.

Conclusion

As you advance in your doctoral journey, it’s paramount to understand and articulate the underlying assumptions of your study. These assumptions anchor your research and offer a framework for contextualizing and understanding your findings. Embrace them, interrogate them, and let them guide you to produce research that’s both rigorous and resonant.

Resources:

Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2016). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. SAGE Publications.

SAGE Handbook

assumptions of the study in research; assumptions research; how to write assumptions in research; assumptions in research; assumptions of the study; assumptions in research example; Four Types of Assumptions in Research