Exploring the Four Core Philosophical Assumptions in Qualitative Research

Understanding the Four Core Philosophical Assumptions

The four underlying philosophical approaches when using qualitative research are ontological, epistemological, axiological, and methodological (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Depending on the type of research, any assumption can be employed and utilized. The ontological assumption can be used when the aim is to analyze multiple views of reality (Creswell & Poth, 2018). The combination of such views on a given topic is important as it can influence the outcome and the findings. The epistemological assumption is employed when the researcher seeks an inner viewpoint that entails being in the field with the participants (Creswell & Poth, 2018). By engaging oneself within the research environment, the researcher immerses oneself in their participant and environment, resulting in a strong outcome with a higher identifiable outcome. An axiological assumption is made when the researcher has a bias or value that can impact the study (Creswell & Poth, 2018). In qualitative research, this assumption is a fundamental element, allowing the reader to understand how the researcher's value and biases influence their conclusion and findings. Finally, methodological assumption assists the researcher in understanding techniques and the setting of their study (Creswell & Poth, 2018). This assumption implies that depending on the data-gathering procedure, the researcher may need to adjust or modify the procedure or outcome after the beginning of the study.

Personal Perspective on remote work

As a licensed mental health counselor, while working remotely, I developed a fascination with understanding the link between work and relationships, particularly focused on remote work, which has been increasingly popular after the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an ongoing shift from on-site work to remote work (Howe & Menges, 2022). This transition has also resulted in companies modifying internal policies further and encouraging remote positions (Žaja & Radulović, 2022). My research area of interest is related to understanding the effect of remote work on relationships and its impact on job satisfaction.

There is a growing body of research related to job modality, job satisfaction, and relationships. However, the link between these subjects has been neglected, and further research is needed to understand how remote work can influence not only job satisfaction but also how it can play a role in relationship resilience. I hypothesize that individuals who are currently working from home have higher job satisfaction and a stronger relationship with their partner compared to individuals who work on-site. This research can provide an avenue for companies who seek to better understand the impact and the quality of service that their employees are providing and modify their procedures and policies. It also can be used as a path to promote individuals who are seeking a career. This shift can also be a path to provide an opportunity for couples to enhance relationship resilience (Weber et al., 2023).

Case Study: Remote Work and Its Impact on Relationships

In this particular study, results can be utilized in accordance with the anthological assumption by creating a survey and asking individuals who are working in a remote environment or on-site regarding their circumstances, job satisfaction, and relationship resilience—understanding the impact of career and gathering the necessary information needed to verify if working remotely can influence job satisfaction and relationship resilience. An ontological approach could support various viewpoints to form a comprehensive understanding of the link between remote work, job satisfaction, and relationship resilience.

Research Hypothesis: Remote Work and Relationship Resilience

From the epistemological perspective, an in-depth interview is an essential aspect of the research. The primary focus would be to further understand the experience of remote and on-site work. By incorporating myself in the participant's environment, whether that would be through video calls or home visits, I could gain a better understanding of the nuance that affects job satisfaction and relationship resilience. Also, as a remote therapist, I can include my perspective within the study.

From the Axiological perspective, it is important to acknowledge the biases and values that may influence both the analysis conducted and the interpretations; as a mental health counselor with an interest in the area, I must acknowledge these biases. By doing this, I will not only provide credibility to the research but also allow for a better understanding of the impact of remote work as the reader can better understand the contacts within the conclusions I try to hypothesize.

Conclusion: The Significance of Philosophical Assumptions in Qualitative Research

Finally, the methodological assumption in this field can be multifaceted, involving not only qualitative but also quantitative methods. The survey may provide quantitative data about career satisfaction and the quality of relationships as a qualitative method, such as interviews, that can provide a deeper understanding of why and how remote work can affect such areas; the research method may also need to be adapted as the study progresses; particularly, in the face of unexpected finding or challenges.

All philosophical assumptions can provide strong frameworks for conducting my research, especially in the field of mental health. These assumptions can create multi-dimensional understandings to help gather diverse perspectives, acknowledging bias and mythological flexibility as they are involved in exploring complex issues. 

References

John W. Creswell and Cheryl N. Poth (2018) Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches (4th ed.). Sage. ISBN: 9781506330204.

Howe, L. C., & Menges, J. I. (2022). Remote work mindsets predict emotions and productivity in home office: A longitudinal study of knowledge workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Human-Computer Interaction, 37(6), 481-507. 10.1080/07370024.2021.1987238

Weber, D. M., Lavner, J. A., & Beach, S. R. H. (2023). Couples' communication quality differs by topic. Journal of Family Psychology, 10.1037/fam0001111

Žaja, R., & Radulović, A. H. (2022). Satisfaction with working from home during COVID-19 pandemic. Liječnički Vjesnik, 144(11-12), 365-368. 10.26800/LV-144-11-12-2