Ontological Issues in research in simple terms

In my earlier post I mentioned that a thesis statement can only be written after a lengthy thinking process. Before we discuss ontological issues in research I would like to expand on why thinking is a critical aspect of research. Thinking is important because it delimits our capability to do research that is considered as original contribution to knowledge. A good research project may run the risk of rejection simply because of poor thinking skills which translates to poor writing skills. Critical thinking and writing skills are important  because the skills enable us to critically evaluate literature, identify issues and claims at dispute, take a theoretical and philosophical position supported by strong arguments based on evidence gathered in our research, and write cogently about our position.

A researcher moves backwards and forwards between conceptualisation, design, data collection and analysis phases right up to the writing-up phase. Staying with our garden metaphor, when you plant your seed (research idea) in the soil, you move backwards and forwards in your garden at different growth phases and season cycles until harvest time. During this process you think about the alkalinity of the soil; the quality of nutrients in the soil etc. Justification for the gardening actions are informed by what seeds you planted and what output will come out of  the gardening process. The target market of your produce, and your views about what constitutes quality fresh produce will shape your decisions on whether you embrace an organic/non-organic garden style.

Likewise, your worldview and the disciplinary community to which you contribute will shape the content and writing style of your discourse. This means that you need to develop a specialised literacy that enables you to articulate your worldview. In other words, you need to master the conventions of your garden style (organic vs non organic). Mastering your worldview is a philosophical stance (ontology) that will facilitate the understanding of methodological and theoretical underpinnings of discourses in your discipline. Mastering these conventions will enable you to address readers of your work with conceptual and philosophical clarity.  In the attached presentation, I have attempted to define ontology. I have also described a few worldviews (gardening styles) that you may resonate with.

Ontology in my view refers to what sort of things exist in the social, physical and cosmic worlds and what sort of assumptions can one make about the form and nature of reality. Put differently, what is the nature of reality in the social, physical and cosmic world?  What constitutes truth and facts about the social, physical and cosmic world? Bear in mind that, the concept of truth, facts and reality are among the most argued concepts in western and African philosophy. There are different views about what constitutes fact, truth and reality. We will explore this further next week.

Click here to download the PowerPoint slide that delves deeper into the Ontological Issues in research in simple terms.

Prof P Msweli
Executive Dean and CEO (A)
School of Business Leadership
10 September 2020