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 differently. As a doctoral student, your study participants view their 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 the context of your participants, 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 into a study, qualitative researchers make it a point to declare 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 – 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. This iterative process is not a deviation but a hallmark of qualitative research, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the topic.h

What Might This Look Like in Actual Research?

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

1. Ontological Assumptions(Four Types of Assumptions in Research)
Given the subject of “women in leadership roles,” different participants might describe varied 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, aiming to understand their personal experiences intimately. Since she has firsthand experience in a leadership role, her interactions might be more insightful, enabling participants to share deeper truths given the shared understanding and camaraderie.

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 to challenges like gender bias or work-life balance struggles. Acknowledging these values, she ensures transparency by making it known in her research that her personal experiences could shape her interpretations and perspectives.

4. Methodological Assumptions (Four Assumptions in Qualitative Research)
Tonya might have planned only to interview female CEOs in the corporate sector initially. However, as she delves deeper, 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

Four Types of Assumptions in Research