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Part II: Acknowledging a Position

 Researcher Stance

Where qualitative researchers agree:

1. The social world is distinct from the natural
world
a. The way to learn is to explore not seek an objective
reality
2. They value the holistic, unique, and specific
 Researcher Stance
Where Qualitative researchers differ:
1. Beliefs about the nature of reality (ONTOLOGY)

2. Beliefs about the nature of knowledge

(EPISTEMOLOGY)

3. Ethics and the role of values in research

(AXIOLOGY)
 Ontology
● is a branch of Metaphysics
● addresses questions of the nature of reality, what the Real world is, and
what exists within it
● addresses whether social entities should be viewed as external to social
actors

Or
● if they are social constructions
● addresses ideas about the relationships between people, society and the
world
 Epistemology
● is a branch of philosophy concerned with how
knowledge may be known
○ Knowledge comprises the body of ‘truths’ that humans
have acquired or constructed
● comprises theories of knowing and the
relationship between the researcher and the
researched
 Beliefs about knowledge
Objectivity: research is unbiased, impartial and based upon
facts

Subjectivity: research is always personal and based upon the

researcher’s values and perceptions

Intersubjectivity: research is mutual and co-arises from the

engagement of interdependent individuals
 Researcher Stance
A philosophical stance:
● guides the researcher’s actions and behaviours and
influences what will be discovered
● is a philosophically-informed view of reality, knowledge,
and purpose
● provides a perspective about the nature of Truth and human
behaviour
Research for Dummies - Nurse Killam ~ 11 mins.
 Personal stance and Reflexivity
Take 10 minutes to reflect:
● What is your race/class/gender/age?
● What are the issues you find the most important?
● How has education influenced your thoughts on research and your
philosophy?
● What other life experiences that you have had may come into play?
● How would you describe your core values?
● How have your core values influenced your thoughts on research and
your philosophy?
 Personal stance and Reflexivity
A positionality statement should include:
1. The researcher’s lenses
2. Relevant researcher beliefs
3. Potential influences relevant to the study (physical
characteristics, position, and self-presentation)
4. Research position
5. Concerns about researcher’s influence in the process i.e.
bias