Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
The Ontological Imperative When Researching in the Digital Age. |
| Authors: |
Lynch, Tom Liam1 tom@tomliamlynch.com, Gerber, Hannah R.2 |
| Source: |
International Journal of Multiple Research Approaches. 2018, Vol. 10 Issue 1, p112-123. 12p. |
| Subject Terms: |
*Research methodology, *Theory of knowledge, Digital technology, Medical research, Conceptual structures, Ontologies (Information retrieval) |
| Abstract: |
In this conceptual paper, the authors introduce the notion of an ontological imperative that researchers today must deeply consider when examining digital phenomena or using digital research tools. Making their argument within a mixed methods and multimethod framework, they draw heavily on the work of software theorists to argue that what it means to be digital is inherently unstable and that such instability makes both digital data and digital methods of research far less reliable than they first appear. One key claim is that failure to address the ontological imperative leads to epistemological instability wherein replicating studies with digital data and tools can be impossible. The authors respond by offering a 5-step methodological process to account for the ontology of the digital and, in doing so, strengthen researchers' epistemological claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: |
Education Research Complete |
