maximalminimality

On the 14th of March, we were lucky to have Dr. Ong Beng Kok, a distinguished reserch specialist from Penang, in HELP UC to speak about qualitative research. Despite his lack of eloquence and charisma, he did have a well-put-together presentation which was rather enlightening. Since I had to write a summary about his talk, I decided to share this with everyone else.

Basically, there are 4 components of social enquiry:
1. Induction
2. Deduction
3. Retroduction
4. Abduction

Let's go over each of them in detail!



1. Induction
Ontological: Shallow Realists
Epistemological: Empiricism

Shallow realists are generalizers. They collect data and interpret patterns and relationships which are observable in people, and make conclusions which are generalizable to the everyday person. They know that seeing is believing, and that knowledge is produced by evidences collected by the human senses.

A person of induction requires prove. Anything which cannot be measured through scientific methods is considered false and unreal.

2. Deduction
Ontological: Cautious Realists
Epistemological: Falsificationism

Cautious realists are theorists. They critically deduce arguments based on laws and patterns, and then test the theories they form in the real world. They believe in an independent external reality which cannot be perceived accurately. Every theory is tested through trial and error and by eliminating wrong responses.

A person of deduction requires thought. Anything illogical is perceived to be inaccurate.

3. Retroduction
Ontological: Depth Realists
Epistemological: Neo-realism

Depth realists are sub-conscious thinkers. They believe that every reaction is the cause of an underlying cause or mechanism, which works independently regardless of situation and cannot be tinkered with. They believe that reality is a domain which work independently of science and activities.

A person of retroduction requires understanding. Anything is beyond anyone's control.

4. Abduction
Ontological Idealists/Subtle Realists
Epistemological: Idealism

Idealists/subtle realists are believers. They know that every action has a meaning and motive behind it. They believe that the external world is a mere representation of the individual's mind. They know that believing is seeing, and that reality is constructed through individuated perspectives.

A person of abduction requires faith. Everything is within everyone's control.



Which sort of enquirer are YOU?