Ontological Paradigm Research Articles

Bricolage as an Alternative Approach to Human Resource Development Theory Building

This article argues for a liberal and pragmatic approach to human resource development (HRD) theory building, which, while retaining academic rigor, celebrates difference and allows learning from more than one ontological paradigm. The author argues that the paradigmatic struggle between positivists and constructivists for supremacy in the HRD field is futile because each ontology draws on such different political positions, discourses, and languages. The possibilities of rigorous and innovative theory building within the constructivist paradigm are both exciting and important for developing new knowledge in HRD, allowing both creativity and imagination to flourish in the research process. The author illustrates the richness of this approach through her own experiences of qualitative theory building from a single case study and suggests that the metaphor of research as bricolage can offer many new and refreshing possibilities for researchers in the field of HRD.

The Enactment of Thinking: creative practice research degrees

This editorial serves to introduce the papers from the conference ‘The Enactment of Thinking: creative practice research degrees’, University of Plymouth (2001). It examines several critical debates arising from the conference, and in particular, highlights the two central themes which were consistently addressed: the material positioning of the artist (i.e. subjecthood) and ontological speculation about ‘being in the world’. We cite examples of these themes through doctoral papers dealing with the question of research methodology; ontological and subjective spatial research paradigms and mimesis in practice. We give philosophical precedence to the phenomenological and ontological speculations of artist/researchers through the work of Merleau-Ponty whose work not only brings philosophy much closer to art, but also provides a specific framework which both enlivens and validates the material and ontological positioning of the artist/researcher. The paper responds to our research which defines an understanding of visual intellectuality, its rigour and integrity, within this doctoral field.

World Cities Make World Rivers

The relation between rivers and cities cannot be reduced to simple models. Great rivers do not necessarily entail the development of great cities, and cities are not necessarily located near the banks of a river. Mexico does not even have a river…It is history which explains why the relationship between human settlements and rivers has evolved in such or such a way, which in certain cases led to the emergence of great couples like that of Cairo and the Nile, Benares and the Ganges, Paris and the Seine, etc. Yet, in modern times, the quality of the relationship between rivers and cities has remarkably declined, owing mainly to the transformation of technical systems. For example, transportation has largely shifted from waterways to roads. This has led in many cases, in the XXth century, to a symbolic disconnection between city and river, until a reaction emerged in the last quarter of the century, leading to a rediscovery of waterfronts, etc. However, this discovery was dominated by an ecological imagery, which in itself has not much to do with cities. As such, this ecological imagery does not help in conceiving of the relationship between city and river, and it does not tell us how this relationship may have evolved into great couples like the above examples. This lecture shows that this relationship is fundamentally an ontological one, and that we need to overcome the ontological paradigm of modernity for understanding how, in the XXIst century, we can cultivate the character of the relationship between rivers and cities.

How Shall We “Know?” Epistemological Concerns in Research in Experiential Education

In this paper, we explore issues of epistemology and ontology as they relate to research in experiential education. As research activity in this field grows, it is essential to consider the assumptions and foundations upon which research is based. Drawing on the work of Guba and Lincoln (1994), we seek to provide a language for considering such issues and comparing research approaches. We then argue that traditional approaches to research in experiential education are not, in themselves, adequate. These traditional approaches tend to focus on whether programs “work.” Ironically, such a focus tends to ignore a key feature of our work: the experiences of individuals and the meanings they make of their experiences. In order to do justice to our work (that is, to recognise the essential nuances and subtleties of experiential education), alternative research questions must be asked that take into account the broad range of inputs, processes, and outcomes in our work. This change of focus denotes a shift in our epistemological and ontological paradigm. The implications of such a shift are explored in greater detail.

Comprehensive criteria to judge validity and reliability of qualitative research within the realism paradigm

Aims to address a gap in the literature about quality criteria for validity and reliability in qualitative research within the realism scientific paradigm. Six comprehensive and explicit criteria for judging realism research are developed, drawing on the three elements of a scientific paradigm of ontology, epistemology and methodology. The first two criteria concern ontology, that is, ontological appropriateness and contingent validity. The third criterion concerns epistemology: multiple perceptions of participants and of peer researchers. The final three criteria concern methodology: methodological trustworthiness, analytic generalisation and construct validity. Comparisons are made with criteria in other paradigms, particularly positivism and constructivism. An example of the use of the criteria is given. In conclusion, this paper’s set of six criteria will facilitate the further adoption of the realism paradigm and its evaluation in marketing research about, for instance, networks and relationship marketing.

History as malady or ontological paradigm?

History as malady or ontological paradigm?

'The Truth Is Over There'

'The Truth Is Over There'

The Representation of the Self in the American Renaissance.

Using the theories of Nietzche, Freud, Jung, and Lacan--as well as the critical insights of Derrida, Iser, Ricoeur, and others--Steele explains how Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, and Margaret Fuller attempted to influence readers by promoting psychological myths that functioned as ontological paradigms. She also shows that the Transcendentalist myths of the psyche are most fully revealed in the works of Poe, Hawthorne, and Melville.Originally published in 1987.A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.