Ontology and epistemology in research - They're not as complex as they sound!

Ontology and epistemology can be challenging concepts to understand, especially for postgraduate and PhD students in sociology, criminology, or criminal justice. These concepts are essential for any research project, but they can be difficult to grasp without proper guidance. In this video, I aim to demystify ontology and epistemology by providing relatable examples and practical advice. I will be discussing what ontology and epistemology are, why they are important for research, and how they relate to different research methods. Ontology refers to the study of existence and reality. It deals with questions about what exists, how things exist, and what is real. Epistemology, on the other hand, is the study of knowledge and how we come to know things. It deals with questions about how we acquire knowledge, what counts as evidence, and how we can be certain about what we know. In the first part of the video, I will be discussing what ontology and epistemology are and why they are important for postgraduate research. This will include an overview of the key concepts and their relevance to different research methods. Next, I will be providing practical examples of ontology and epistemology in action. This will include discussing how different research methods, such as quantitative and qualitative methods, are influenced by ontological and epistemological assumptions. Finally, I will be providing tips and advice for postgraduate students on how to navigate ontology and epistemology in their own research projects. This will include strategies for selecting appropriate research methods based on ontological and epistemological assumptions, as well as tips for addressing these concepts in research proposals and dissertations. By the end of this video, postgraduate and PhD students will have a clear understanding of what ontology and epistemology are, why they are important for research, and how to apply these concepts in their own research projects. This will enable them to produce high-quality research that is grounded in sound ontological and epistemological principles Chapters 0:00 - 1:08 Introduction 1:09 - 4:35 Ontology 4:36 - 7:21 Epistemology 7:22 - 8:14 Summary 📺 Other helpful videos    • Conceptual and Theoretical Frameworks Expl...      • Conceptual framework, theoretical framewor...      • Paradigms of research: A PhD student’s gui...   👀 See my videos BEFORE anyone else does! For early access to my videos and whole load of other cool things, become a Degree Doctor channel member!    / @degreedoctor   📖 What if you could explain what your PhD is about without hesitating or waffling? If concepts, theory, or paradigms still feel slippery after this video, the Conceptual & Theoretical Foundations PhD Survival Guide gives you a clear structure for making sense of them - without philosophy overwhelm - so you can explain what your study is really about and why it makes sense. 👉 Explore the Conceptual & Theoretical Foundations Guide: https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/phd-s... 📨 Inbox guidance to help you start thinking more clearly about your PhD. Join my email community 👉 https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/emails NOTE : I no longer offer the Theory Boss course but the Conceptual and Theoretical Foundations guide (linked above) covers the same ground, so check it out!