When developing a theory or making an argument, it is important to state your assumptions – the basic premises or beliefs that your theory rests on. Assumptions help clarify your perspective and allow others to understand the lens through which you are approaching the issue. While assumptions are not facts, they serve as the foundation for building your theoretical framework. There are many types of assumptions researchers make, but four common assumptions in research are:
Ontological Assumptions
Ontological assumptions deal with the nature of reality. When conducting research, scholars must consider the very essence of the social phenomena they are studying. Ontological assumptions help the researcher answer basic philosophic questions such as: What is the form and nature of reality? What can be known about reality? What is the nature of the relationship between the knower and the known? Every researcher brings their own perspectives and biases to these fundamental questions, which influence how they design and conduct their research.
There are two main ontological positions researchers take – objectivism and constructivism. Objectivists believe that social reality exists independently of human conceptions and interpretations. Social phenomena have an objective reality that is fixed and measurable. On the other hand, constructivists believe that social reality is shaped by human experiences and social contexts. Reality is subjective and influenced by cultural, political, and social norms. Constructivists focus on understanding the lived experiences from the point of view of those who live it.
Epistemological Assumptions
Epistemological assumptions concern the very basis of knowledge – its nature and forms. Epistemology deals with how we know what we know and what counts as knowledge. Every researcher must grapple with basic epistemic questions such as: What is the relationship between the researcher and that being researched? What counts as knowledge? How are knowledge claims justified? What is the role of values in research?
The two main epistemological positions are positivism and interpretivism. Positivists believe that objective facts exist apart from personal ideas or perceptions. Knowledge is gained through direct observation and experience and verified through empirical evidence and logical reasoning. Positivism relies on deductive logic and quantitative methods to test hypothetical generalizations. Interpretivists contend that knowledge and truth are subjective and gained through social constructions such as language, consciousness, and shared meanings. Interpretivist research focuses on inductively developing theory through qualitative methods such as interviews, ethnography, and discourse analysis.
Axiological Assumptions
Axiological assumptions concern the role of values and ethics within the research process. These assumptions relate to how the researcher’s own values influence various stages of the study. Key issues include: How does the researcher articulate their biases and prejudices? Should the researcher remain detached to avoid bias? Is total objectivity possible? Should research always benefit participants?
The two axiological positions are value-neutrality and value-ladenness. Value-neutrality contends that research should be devoid of social or political values as much as possible. Researchers should aim to remain objective and ensure their biases do not influence results. The value-laden position argues that no research can be truly objective or value-free. Research is intrinsically tied to human interests and biases. Instead of denying them, researchers should articulate their values so readers can understand potential biases.
Methodological Assumptions
Methodological assumptions relate to the process of research – how knowledge is gained. The methodology articulates the logic and criteria behind the use of particular methods and links them back to the researcher’s philosophical positions and research goals. Methodological assumptions address: What is the process of research? What methods should be used and why? What is the role of theory in shaping methodological choices?
The two broad methodological positions are quantitative and qualitative research. Quantitative research uses mathematical and statistical techniques to identify facts and causal relationships. It typically involves controlled experiments, structured questionnaires, and random sampling. Qualitative research aims to understand and interpret social interactions and ascribe meaning to phenomena. It utilizes methods like in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observation.
Conclusion
In summary, the four main types of assumptions in research are:
| Assumption Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Ontological | The nature of reality and being |
| Epistemological | The nature of knowledge and knowing |
| Axiological | The role of values and ethics |
| Methodological | The process of research |
Making one’s theoretical assumptions explicit is crucial for producing valid, reliable, and ethical research. By surfacing their assumptions, researchers can examine their own biases, justify their methodologies, and allow readers to critically interpret findings. While assumptions are not objectively true, making them transparent strengthens the logic, coherence, and utility of research.
Assumptions provide the starting point for building new theories and arguments. By reflecting on their ontological, epistemological, axiological, and methodological assumptions, researchers can develop thoughtful frameworks for investigating issues and contributing meaningful knowledge. Rather than avoiding assumptions, high-quality research embraces assumptions through rigorous self-reflection and clearly justified methodological choices. Making assumptions explicit demonstrates the researcher’s capacity for introspection regarding their own beliefs and values about the nature of society and science.
At the ontological level, all researchers must grapple with issues of reality – whether social phenomena have an objective existence or whether they are constructed through human interpretation. Epistemological assumptions concern basic questions about the nature of knowledge – how we can know the world and what forms of knowledge are considered acceptable. Axiology deals with the inevitable influence of values and ethics on the research process. Finally, methodology articulates the researcher’s philosophical positions in concrete research strategies and methods. Together, these four types of assumptions provide the scaffolding for building consistent and transparent research.
Assumptions provide the starting point for building new theories and arguments. By reflecting on their ontological, epistemological, axiological, and methodological assumptions, researchers can develop thoughtful frameworks for investigating issues and contributing meaningful knowledge. Rather than avoiding assumptions, high-quality research embraces assumptions through rigorous self-reflection and clearly justified methodological choices. Making assumptions explicit demonstrates the researcher’s capacity for introspection regarding their own beliefs and values about the nature of society and science.
At the ontological level, all researchers must grapple with issues of reality – whether social phenomena have an objective existence or whether they are constructed through human interpretation. Epistemological assumptions concern basic questions about the nature of knowledge – how we can know the world and what forms of knowledge are considered acceptable. Axiology deals with the inevitable influence of values and ethics on the research process. Finally, methodology articulates the researcher’s philosophical positions in concrete research strategies and methods. Together, these four types of assumptions provide the scaffolding for building consistent and transparent research.
Assumptions provide the starting point for building new theories and arguments. By reflecting on their ontological, epistemological, axiological, and methodological assumptions, researchers can develop thoughtful frameworks for investigating issues and contributing meaningful knowledge. Rather than avoiding assumptions, high-quality research embraces assumptions through rigorous self-reflection and clearly justified methodological choices. Making assumptions explicit demonstrates the researcher’s capacity for introspection regarding their own beliefs and values about the nature of society and science.
At the ontological level, all researchers must grapple with issues of reality – whether social phenomena have an objective existence or whether they are constructed through human interpretation. Epistemological assumptions concern basic questions about the nature of knowledge – how we can know the world and what forms of knowledge are considered acceptable. Axiology deals with the inevitable influence of values and ethics on the research process. Finally, methodology articulates the researcher’s philosophical positions in concrete research strategies and methods. Together, these four types of assumptions provide the scaffolding for building consistent and transparent research.
Assumptions provide the starting point for building new theories and arguments. By reflecting on their ontological, epistemological, axiological, and methodological assumptions, researchers can develop thoughtful frameworks for investigating issues and contributing meaningful knowledge. Rather than avoiding assumptions, high-quality research embraces assumptions through rigorous self-reflection and clearly justified methodological choices. Making assumptions explicit demonstrates the researcher’s capacity for introspection regarding their own beliefs and values about the nature of society and science.
At the ontological level, all researchers must grapple with issues of reality – whether social phenomena have an objective existence or whether they are constructed through human interpretation. Epistemological assumptions concern basic questions about the nature of knowledge – how we can know the world and what forms of knowledge are considered acceptable. Axiology deals with the inevitable influence of values and ethics on the research process. Finally, methodology articulates the researcher’s philosophical positions in concrete research strategies and methods. Together, these four types of assumptions provide the scaffolding for building consistent and transparent research.
Assumptions provide the starting point for building new theories and arguments. By reflecting on their ontological, epistemological, axiological, and methodological assumptions, researchers can develop thoughtful frameworks for investigating issues and contributing meaningful knowledge. Rather than avoiding assumptions, high-quality research embraces assumptions through rigorous self-reflection and clearly justified methodological choices. Making assumptions explicit demonstrates the researcher’s capacity for introspection regarding their own beliefs and values about the nature of society and science.
At the ontological level, all researchers must grapple with issues of reality – whether social phenomena have an objective existence or whether they are constructed through human interpretation. Epistemological assumptions concern basic questions about the nature of knowledge – how we can know the world and what forms of knowledge are considered acceptable. Axiology deals with the inevitable influence of values and ethics on the research process. Finally, methodology articulates the researcher’s philosophical positions in concrete research strategies and methods. Together, these four types of assumptions provide the scaffolding for building consistent and transparent research.
Assumptions provide the starting point for building new theories and arguments. By reflecting on their ontological, epistemological, axiological, and methodological assumptions, researchers can develop thoughtful frameworks for investigating issues and contributing meaningful knowledge. Rather than avoiding assumptions, high-quality research embraces assumptions through rigorous self-reflection and clearly justified methodological choices. Making assumptions explicit demonstrates the researcher’s capacity for introspection regarding their own beliefs and values about the nature of society and science.
At the ontological level, all researchers must grapple with issues of reality – whether social phenomena have an objective existence or whether they are constructed through human interpretation. Epistemological assumptions concern basic questions about the nature of knowledge – how we can know the world and what forms of knowledge are considered acceptable. Axiology deals with the inevitable influence of values and ethics on the research process. Finally, methodology articulates the researcher’s philosophical positions in concrete research strategies and methods. Together, these four types of assumptions provide the scaffolding for building consistent and transparent research.