TABLE 5.

1 Philosophical Assumptions with Implications for Practice

Assumption Questions Characteristics Implications for
Practice (examples)
Ontological What is the nature of Reality is subjective Researcher uses
reality? and multiple, as seen quotes and themes
by participants in a in words of
study participants and
provides evidence
of different
perspectives.
Epistemological What is the Researcher attempts Researcher
relationship between o lessen distance collaborates,
the researcher and between self and that spends time in field
that being being researched. with participants,
researched? and becomes an
“insider”
Axiological What is the role of Researcher Researcher openly
values? acknowledges that discusses values
research is value that shape the
laden and that biases narrative and
are present includes own
interpretation in
conjunction with
interpretation of
participants.
Rhetorical What is the language Researcher writes in Researchers uses an
of research? a literary, informal engaging style of
style using the narrative, may use
personal voice and first-person
uses qualitative pronoun, and
terms and limited employs the
definitions. language of
qualitative research
Methodological What is the process Researchers uses Researchers works
of research? inductive logic, with particulars
studies the topic (details) before
within its context, generalizations,
and uses an emerging describes in details
design. the context of the
study, and
continually revises
questions from
experiences in the
field.