Philosophical aspects of qualitative research Essay

Philosophical aspects of qualitative research - Essay Example Philosophical tenets influence qualitative research in relation to data analysis, data collection approach and research questions. Philosophical aspects of social science are applicable in qualitative research. Qualitative research in social science involves focusing on exploring of ideas, meanings, patterns, inconsistencies and the nature of conflicts in individual’s behaviors and thoughts (Bryman, 2009). The technique provides a technique of eliminating cases of bias in interpreting data. A core value in the use of qualitative research is that it is interpretative and interactive. Philosophical theories are applicable in qualitative research influence the process of data analysis, the general approach to data collection and formulation of research questions. In qualitative research, the data analysis aims at finding understandable output. The focus of the analysis is not in simplification of figures, but it concentrates on giving the figures, some meanings (Hammersley & Traianou, 2012). The approach used in the data collection process greatly affects qualitative research techniques. The nature of the data collected in quantitative research must be in a form that is easy to interpret. Qualitative research questions often lead the researcher towards obtaining information that explains the human behavior. They assist in obtaining information that explains why and how certain phenomena occur in an individual’s

4 Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

4 Discussion - Essay Example moral grounds wherein the involvement and formation of a consistent value system is administered to and this forms the base on which decisions concerning behavior is based upon. Conscience is the â€Å"the little voice,† perhaps at times may nag, complain or make us feel harassed when actions are considered not in the right perspective. Sigmund Freud described conscience as the voice within the superego, the set of rigid moral precepts that helped to control the want and take aspects of the id. Superego can be characterized as the sum of things learned in early life about right and wrong, wherein the self or ego functions within the bounds of a particular society. A person with poor superego control is considered id-driven.(Bonnie,1995) Others believe that the conscience is the other voice of reason as viewed by Thomas Aqinas. Since reason is God-given to Aquinas therefore consciences is also God-given. But human beings have the capacity to develop reason, and so reason remains a facility that must be exercised and developed. To act conscientiously is to act on reason-based decisions. (Bonnie,1995) Aquinas discusses people who have erring consciences and make wrong decisions based on faulty reasoning. He states that this may not be the person’s fault if he has not learned enough to know what is right or wrong. We have been stating that conscience is merely a feeling but I feel it is more of knowledge that is required to understand the difference between right and wrong. This extent of conscience is based on knowledge and is not merely a feeling. This should be a knowledge rather than rational or analytical knowledge wherein this knowledge of mine is an absolute obligation to goodness, justice and charity and virtue and holiness. Secondly this knowledge is of moral facts. Thus knowledge forms the bases for conscience. Now this conscience for me can lead to authority. The age we live in is filled turmoil and terrorism. And I feel that from young this