You are here

An Introduction to the Philosophy of Methodology
Share

An Introduction to the Philosophy of Methodology


Courses:
Research Methods

November 2012 | 248 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

This book provides students with a concise introduction to the philosophy of methodology. The book stands apart from existing methodology texts by clarifying in a student-friendly and engaging way distinctions between philosophical positions, paradigms of inquiry, methodology and methods. Building an understanding of the relationships and distinctions between philosophical positions and paradigms is an essential part of the research process and integral to deploying the methodology and methods best suited for a research project, thesis or dissertation.

Aided throughout by definition boxes, examples and exercises for students, the book covers topics such as:

  • Positivism and Post-positivism
  • Phenomenology
  • Critical Theory
  • Constructivism and Participatory Paradigms
  • Post-Modernism and Post-Structuralism
  • Ethnography
  • Grounded Theory
  • Hermeneutics
  • Foucault and Discourse

This text is aimed at advanced undergraduates and graduate research students. For more experienced researchers developing mixed methodological approaches, it can provide a greater understanding of underlying issues relating to unfamiliar techniques.


 
Problems Identified: Truth Knowledge and the Role of Theory
 
Explaining Theory
 
Positivism and Post-Positivism
 
Phenomenology
 
Critical Theory
 
Constructivism and Participatory Paradigms: Introducing Action Research
 
Postmodernism and Post-Structuralism
 
Ethnography
 
Grounded Theory
 
Hermeneutics
 
Foucault
 
Validity, Reliability and Generalization
 
Methods
 
Conclusions

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


Select a Purchasing Option


Rent or Buy eBook
ISBN: 9781446290620

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781446202982
$200.00

Paperback
ISBN: 9781446202999
$70.00

This title is also available on SAGE Research Methods, the ultimate digital methods library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.