인식론적 차원에서 양적연구와 질적연구

[김환기]

Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Research as Epistemological Research Methods

Epistemology is concerned with how we acquire knowledge and what counts as valid knowledge. In research, quantitative and qualitative methods are based on different epistemological assumptions. Below is a comparison of the two approaches in terms of their epistemological foundations.

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1. Epistemological Foundations

Aspect Quantitative Research Qualitative Research

Nature of Knowledge	Knowledge is objective, measurable, and independent of human perception.	Knowledge is subjective, constructed, and influenced by human experience.
Reality (Ontology Influence)	There is a single, fixed reality that can be discovered through systematic observation and measurement.	Reality is socially constructed and can vary based on individual or cultural perspectives.
Truth & Validity	Truth is universal and can be tested through statistical analysis and hypothesis testing.	Truth is context-dependent, and meaning emerges through interpretation.

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2. Research Approach & Methods

Aspect Quantitative Research Qualitative Research

Research Goal	To test theories, identify patterns, and establish causal relationships.	To explore meanings, understand experiences, and interpret social phenomena.
Data Collection	Uses structured tools such as surveys, experiments, and numerical data.	Uses open-ended techniques like interviews, observations, and textual analysis.
Data Analysis	Uses statistical and mathematical analysis to find patterns and correlations.	Uses thematic analysis, narrative analysis, and coding for deep understanding.
Generalizability	Findings are generalizable to larger populations due to statistical significance.	Findings are specific to the studied context and are not meant to be broadly generalized.

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3. Strengths and Limitations in Epistemological Context

Aspect Quantitative Research Qualitative Research

Strengths	Provides reliable, replicable, and generalizable data. Can establish causality and test hypotheses.	Provides deep insights into human behavior, emotions, and meanings. Captures complexity and context.
Limitations	May overlook the deeper meaning of human experiences and social contexts. Can be reductionist.	Findings are subjective and harder to replicate. Interpretation may vary based on researcher bias.

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Conclusion

• Quantitative research follows positivist epistemology, assuming that knowledge is objective, measurable, and independent of the observer. It seeks facts, patterns, and laws using empirical data.
• Qualitative research follows interpretivist or constructivist epistemology, assuming that knowledge is subjective, context-dependent, and socially constructed. It focuses on understanding meaning and experiences rather than measuring reality.

Both methods contribute to knowledge in different ways. While quantitative research seeks objectivity and precision, qualitative research seeks depth and meaning in understanding human experiences. Many modern researchers use mixed methods to balance these epistemological perspectives.

존재론(Ontology)와 인식론(Epistemology)

1. • "세상에 무엇이 존재하는가?"를 탐구하는 철학 분야입니다.
   • 우리가 보고 듣는 물질적인 것들뿐만 아니라, 영혼, 하나님, 시간, 개념 같은 비물질적인 것들도 포함됩니다.
   • 예를 들어, "하나님은 존재하는가?", "영혼은 실제로 있는가?" 같은 질문이 존재론적 질문입니다.
2. • "우리는 어떻게 아는가?"를 탐구하는 철학 분야입니다.
   • 우리가 알고 있는 것이 진짜인지, 어떻게 그것을 확신할 수 있는지를 고민합니다.
   • 예를 들어, "나는 왜 하나님이 존재한다고 믿는가?", "내가 경험한 것이 진실이라는 것을 어떻게 증명할 수 있는가?" 같은 질문이 인식론적 질문입니다.

쉽게 비교하면?

• 존재론(Ontology): "무엇이 존재하는가?"
• 인식론(Epistemology): "우리는 그것을 어떻게 아는가?" / 양적연구와 질적연구 

즉, 존재론은 "무엇이 있는가?"를 다루고, 인식론은 "그것을 어떻게 알 수 있는가?"를 다루는 철학 분야입니다. 😊

** Easy explanation of ontology and epistemology **

1. • It is a philosophy that explores "What is in the world?"
   • In addition to the material things we see and hear, it includes non -material things such as soul, God, time, and concept.
   • For example, "Is God exist?", "Is the soul actually?" The same question is ontological questions.
2. • It is a philosophy that explores "How do we know?"
   • We wonder if what we know is real and how we can be sure.
   • For example, "Why do I believe that God exists?" The same question is epistemological questions.

If you compare it easily? 

Ontology  "What is present?"

Epistemology : "How do we know it?"

In other words,

ontology deals with "What is it?"

And epistemology is a philosophical field that deals with "How can I know it?"