Question 1

What is Ontology?&#10;A) The philosophy of what 'knowledge' actually is&#10;B) The philosophy of how we gain knowledge&#10;C) The philosophy of how we assess the validity of knowledge&#10;D) The philosophy of the usefulness of knowledge

Accepted Answer

Ontology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of existence, including the relationships between entities and categories. It explores questions such as what exists, what kinds of things exist, and how different entities can be grouped, related within a hierarchy, and subdivided according to similarities and differences. It is not concerned with how we gain knowledge or assess the validity or usefulness of knowledge, but rather with the fundamental nature of reality itself.

Question 2

What is Epistemology?&#10;A) The philosophy of what 'knowledge' actually is&#10;B) The philosophy of how we gain knowledge&#10;C) The philosophy of how we assess the validity of knowledge&#10;D) The philosophy of the usefulness of knowledge

Accepted Answer

B

Question 3

Someone who sees the world as ordered, logical and objective would be:&#10;A) A Pragmatist&#10;B) A Relativist&#10;C) A Realist&#10;D) A Subjectivist

Accepted Answer

A person who sees the world as ordered, logical and objective is more likely to be a realist, someone who believes in an objective reality that exists independent of our perceptions or interpretations. Pragmatists focus on what works practically rather than on theory or abstract principles, while Relativists believe that truth and knowledge are relative to context or perspective. Subjectivists believe that reality is created by one's own perceptions and beliefs.

Question 4

Someone who sees the world as subjective, with no single &#34;truth&#34; or reality would be:&#10;A) A Pragmatist&#10;B) A Relativist&#10;C) A Realist&#10;D) A Subjectivist

Accepted Answer

A relativist sees the world as subjective, meaning that truth and reality are relative to the individual or culture experiencing it. There is no single objective truth or reality.

Question 5

An objective epistemology adopted alongside a realist ontology would be:&#10;A) Positivist&#10;B) Interpretivist&#10;C) Post-positivist&#10;D) Critical realist

Accepted Answer

Positivism aligns with an objective epistemology and a realist ontology, emphasizing observable, empirical evidence and the belief in an objective reality.

Question 6

A subjective epistemology adopted alongside a relativist ontology would be:&#10;A) Positivist&#10;B) Interpretivist&#10;C) Post-positivist&#10;D) Critical realist

Accepted Answer

A subjective epistemology means that knowledge is constructed individually through personal experiences and perspectives. Relativist ontology means that reality is not objective and is instead shaped by cultural and historical contexts. An interpretivist approach aligns with these views, as it focuses on understanding subjective meanings and interpretations rather than seeking objective truths. The other options do not necessarily align with the combination of subjective epistemology and relativist ontology.

Question 7

Control, replication and hypothesis testing are characteristic of which approach?&#10;A) Positivist&#10;B) Interpretivist&#10;C) Post-positivist&#10;D) Critical realist

Accepted Answer

Control, replication and hypothesis testing are key features of the positivist approach to research, which aims to discover objective truths through systematic observation and measurement.

Question 8

Positivist research would normally involve the use of:&#10;A) Quantitative data&#10;B) Qualitative data&#10;C) quantitative and qualitative data&#10;D) quantitative or qualitative data

Accepted Answer

Positivist research is based on the collection and analysis of quantitative data, usually through the use of statistical methods. This type of research seeks objective, measurable facts and aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. Qualitative data, on the other hand, is typically associated with interpretive or constructivist research paradigms, which emphasize the subjective experience and meaning-making of research participants. While some research projects may use both quantitative and qualitative data, positivist research is primarily focused on numerical data.

Question 9

The purposes of a mixed method approach include:&#10;A) Triangulation&#10;B) Development&#10;C) Initiation&#10;D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

A mixed method approach combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods to address research questions from multiple perspectives. This can help with triangulating findings to enhance validity, as well as providing a more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon for development or initiation of new ideas. Therefore, all of the above choices are purposes of a mixed method approach.

Question 10

What is the role of theory in an inductive study?&#10;A) To develop a hypothesis&#10;B) To guide data collection&#10;C) To allow comparison of findings&#10;D) To emerge from data analysis

Accepted Answer

In an inductive study, theories emerge from data analysis. This means that the researcher does not start with a theory or hypothesis, but rather allows theories to emerge from the observations and data collected during the study. Theories that emerge from the data are then used to explain or provide insight into the phenomenon being studied. Theories can also be revised or refined based on further analysis of the data. Therefore, options A, B, and C are not appropriate as they all suggest that the theory plays a more prominent role in guiding the study.

Deck 2: Research Traditions in Sport