It is uncommon for published research to articulate the meta-theoretical assumptions which underpin
different paradigms/approaches/traditions of research.
Instead, methodological discussion tends to focus on research methods, techniques
and tools. As researchers however, our methodological assumptions determine
- our choice of research paradigm;
- the formulation of, and the way in which we consider and address our research questions;
- and also our selection of methods and techniques.
In this
discussion we will consider the pros and cons of adopting a broader view of
research methodology. This includes
being specific about meta-theoretical assumptions and their importance for
achieving greater reflexive awareness of the “unconscious metaphysics” that
underlie and influence how we see and research the world. To do this we need to make a clear
distinction between the concept of methodology as an overall logic of inquiry,
and research method as a much narrower
concept that defines processes, procedures and techniques that can be used to
conduct empirical studies and collect and analyse data (Cecez-Kecmanovic, 2011). To achieve this clear distinction, it is
necessary to make explicit the assumptions and paradigms on which different
methodologies are founded.
Methodological
issues are discussed therefore, within a broader landscape which includes more
than just research methods and techniques, but also addresses what lies behind
them. By discussing the issues in this
context, we can ask questions such as:
How does our
view of the world and meta-theoretical foundation influence the type of
questions we will ask (and answers we will find) as researchers?
How does our
world view open (and/or limit) the potential methodological paths that we will
choose from?
How does being methodologically
explicit help us to select and justify the research methods we choose to answer
our questions?
References
Cecez-Kecmanovic, D. (2011). On methods, methodologies and how
they matter. Paper presented at the European Conference on Information Systems,
Helsinki, Finland, 9-11 June 2011. Retrieved from http://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2011/233
Cecez-Kecmanovic, D.
& Kennan, M.A. (2013) Chapter 5. The methodological landscape: Information
systems and knowledge management in Research Methods: Information, Systems, and
Contexts Williamson, K. & Johanson, G. (eds.). Tilde Publishing, Prahran,
Victoria. pp113-138 ISBN 978-0-7346-1148-2
