ONTOLOGY

Lee Barron

A concept concerned with the existence of, and relationship between different aspects of society, such as social actors, cultural norms and social structures. Commentators on the process of social research generally concede that any instance of social inquiry is based upon the dual fundamental principles of epistemology and ontology. Epistemology deals with the issue of knowledge, and specifically, who can be a ‘knower’. For example, within feminist research, Sandra Harding (1987) argues that women have been systematically excluded as ‘knowers’ from ‘masculine’ sociology and therefore must establish a feminist ‘standpoint’, and legitimate female epistemological knowledge. However, ontological issues are concerned with questions pertaining to the kinds of things that exist within society. Again using feminist thought as an example, ontological issues concern the idea of ‘being’, and would stress the existence of patriarchal social relations and the negative implications these have for women. The issue of ontology within social thought ...

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About this title
- Bringing together the work of over eighty leading academics and researchers worldwide to produce the definitive reference and research tool for the social sciences, The SAGE Dictionary of Social Research Methods contains more than 230 entries providing the widest coverage of the all the main terms in the research process. It encompasses philosophies of science, research paradigms and designs, specific aspects of data collection, practical issues to be addressed when carrying out research, and the role of research in terms of function and context. Each entry includes: - A concise definition of the concept - A description of distinctive features: historical and disciplinary backgrounds; key writers; applications - A critical and reflective evaluation of the concept under consideration - Cross references to associated concepts within the dictionary - A list of key readings. Written in a lively style, The SAGE Dictionary of Social Research Methods is an essential study guide for students and first-time researchers. It is a primary source of reference for advanced study, a necessary supplement to established textbooks, and a state-of-the-art reference guide to the specialized language of research across the social sciences.
Table of contents
- - Front Matter
    - Copyright
    - Editor's Introduction
Methods Map
- Research Terms
- Key People
Ontology
- Mark Smith
- Michael Crotty
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