Chapter 2: Philosophical Foundations of Research

Although perspectives toward the creation of knowledge have varied across the various philosophical foundations of science, one commonly shared belief is that true knowledge is paramount and infallible once supported by evidence.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

The modernist perspective toward research is that it should be developed free of theorems to mitigate the reinforcement of power structures and disenfranchisement of oppressed populations.

• True

• False

It is acceptable for a research study to employ methodologies spanning multiple philosophical perspectives, such as a mixed-methods study using a blend of modernism and postmodernism.

• True

• False

The field of disability studies offers an example of the postmodern social constructivist approach to knowledge generation.

• True

• False

All research is embedded in theory, even if it is not explicitly stated.

• True

• False

Most scientific approaches toward knowledge development in occupational therapy derive from the historical periods of classicism and postmodernism.

• True

• False

The scientific parable suggesting that Newton devised his theory of gravity based on observations of the natural world (i.e., an apple falling on his head) is an example of what type of logic?

• Creative

• Deductive

• Inductive

• Circular

Classicism may have been credited with developing some of the original principles of the scientific method. The principal problem with classicism was that:

• Rigorous logic could not be applied to the deductive process, so principles could not be investigated.

• The inductive stage required intuitive leaps, thus creating an inherently flawed foundation for subsequent deductive examination.

• Deductive logic was viewed as a fallible form of developing knowledge.

• Inductive logic stood in contrast to “obvious truths” in its explanation of the natural world.

The philosophical foundations of research may be seen by their influence on contemporary research methods. Which of the following statements is true regarding this influence?

• Classicism is reflected in qualitative approaches.

• Postmodernism does not have an influence on contemporary research.

• Quantitative approaches are consistent with the tradition of logical positivism.

• Constructivism research is most concerned with determining facts about the natural world.

A researcher’s preference toward adhering to a particular research approach for knowledge development is defined as their:

• Philosophical orientation

• Methodological preference

• Manner of practice

• Researcher philosophy