A systematic process of knowledge creation
Saliha Bava, PhD
Taos-Tilburg Research Topic Call
November 4, 2009
Contact: drbava@gmail.com
drbava@gmail.com
Ways to think about methodology
 Framing knowledge construction
 Tools used in the process of knowledge construction
 Not only functions as a tool but also shapes the
knowledge that is constructed
 Is a process that is itself epistemologically driven
 Systematic way of creating choices and trails
 Making and managing choices
 A process narrative of what was created
My Working Assumptions
 How we know what we know informs our practices and
our choices and our language
 Language is social
 Our language shapes our realities-our constructions
Reflection:
 What is your position on these ideas?
 What are your values?
Framing What We are Doing
Methodology
: How we study
Ontology:
What is the
nature
Epistemology:
How we know what we
know
If Nature is Constructed…
Methodology
: How we study
Epistemology
: How we know
what we know
Along a Continuum…
Modern
Postmodern
PARADIGM/PHILOSOPHICAL ORIENTATION
Discovery Model (Mining)………….Exploratory Model (Traveling)
Knowledge is Discovered………….Knowledge is Socially
Constructed
Positivist………...............................Hermeneutic, Post-positivist
Science-Based..…………………….Rooted in Philosophy of Science
POSITIONING OF RESEARCHER
Scientist/Expert Driven……………..Consensual Partnership Driven
Scientist is Knowing………………..Scientist is Curious
Hierarchical……………………….....Lowering Hierarchy
Predetermined Agenda……………..Evolving Agenda
Objective & Independent..………….Contextual & critical
of the knower
Foreknowledge………………………Pre-knowledge bracketed &/or
made public
Implication for Research Process
Along a Continuum…
Modern
Postmodern
Fact Oriented…………………………..Construction Oriented
Representational………………………Re-constructive
Extracting………………………...........Data as Conversation
Observable/Countable Data……........Includes Stories/Meanings
Directional/Replicable………………...Unique/Curiosity-Based
Questions are Diagnostic…………….Questions are Conversational
Meaning is Interpreted by Scientist….Meaning is Co-Evolved
Singular Truth of Meaning……………Multiplicity of Meaning
Findings are Universal/meta………….Findings are Localized
Managing Choices
 People
 Communication
 Technology
 Politics
 Knowledge
 Quality
 Time
 Theory
 Money
 Curiosity
 Ethics
 Method
 Data
 Context
 Information
 Self
Source: Chenail, 2008
Goal of Methodology
 Detail how the study will be/was conducted
 Methodology Sections
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Epistemology
Researcher’s Positioning
Logic of using the methodology as related to the research
question
Method of sample selection
Method of data collection & organization
Method of data analysis
 Maintain Coherence within Methodology and with
other elements in the research project
Methodology Sections
 Epistemology
 Logic of using the methodology as related to the
research question
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Researcher’s Positioning
Who are you in relationship to the inquiry?
What is your role/relationship, voice and values?
 Participant selection
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Who are the participants?
How were they selected?
Why were they selected (your strategy)?
Methodology Sections Cont….
 Data collection process
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What were the preparation steps for data collection?
What tools were used in/for data collection
How was it organized, saved and accessed?
Who collected data?
What were the shifts in data collection?
 Method of data analysis
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How was the data prepared? By whom?
What software was used (if used)?
What role did the participants play?
 Data trustworthiness (Instilling reader confidence)
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What are the ways to track your path?
What are the trails?
Why you followed the trail you followed?
Become a connoisseur of methodologies and methods
-Chenail, 2007