epistemological stance
/ɪˌpɪstəməˈlɒdʒɪkəl stɑːns/
Meaning
This term refers to a researcher's philosophical position regarding the nature of knowledge—specifically, what counts as valid knowledge and how we can acquire it (e.g., positivism vs. interpretivism). It is a critical concept in research methodology because it dictates how a researcher designs their study and interprets their findings.
Examples
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Before starting your research, you must clarify your epistemological stance.
Before starting your research, you must clarify your epistemological stance.
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Her epistemological stance is rooted in constructivism, viewing knowledge as socially constructed.
Her epistemological stance is rooted in constructivism, viewing knowledge as socially constructed.
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The reviewer asked the author to justify their positivist epistemological stance.
The reviewer asked the author to justify their positivist epistemological stance.
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A researcher's epistemological stance directly influences their choice of methodology.
A researcher's epistemological stance directly influences their choice of methodology.
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He explained his epistemological stance in the methodology section of his thesis.
He explained his epistemological stance in the methodology section of his thesis.
Common Mistakes
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✗ My epistemological stance believes that truth is subjective.
✓ From my epistemological stance, truth is viewed as subjective.
A stance (a position) cannot 'believe' things; the researcher holds the belief based on their stance.
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✗ She took an epistemological stance about the experiment.
✓ She adopted an epistemological stance regarding the nature of reality.
An epistemological stance is a broad philosophical position on knowledge itself, not a specific opinion about a single experiment. Use 'adopt' or 'clarify' a stance.
Related Expressions
Practice
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A researcher who believes only measurable data is valid holds a positivist ___.
💡 A philosophical position on the nature and acquisition of knowledge.
Show answer
epistemological stance
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It is crucial to declare your ___ early in the methodology chapter.
💡 Two words: the first starts with 'e' (concerning knowledge), the second with 's' (meaning position).
Show answer
epistemological stance