Philosophy of science, theory and social change

DUE ON 10/05

1. Post a brief description of a topic of research interest. Next, state the philosophical orientation that reflects your worldview, and explain the epistemological and ontological assumptions of this orientation. Then, explain how these assumptions lend themselves to one or more research approaches. Be sure to support your response with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA style.

2. Post an explanation of the role of theory in research. Next, identify a theory in your discipline, and explain its basic tenets. Then, with this theory in mind, consider your answer to the following question posed by Dr. Burkholder in this week’s reading: “What Do I Have to Believe About the World and About Human Beings in Order for Me to Accept or Use This Theory?” Finally, describe the extent to which the epistemological and ontological assumptions of your chosen theory align with the philosophical orientation that reflects your worldview. Be sure to support your response with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA style.

3. Discuss the extent to which a researcher’s knowledge and skills can support their role as an agent of positive social change. Be specific and provide an example(s). Be sure to support your response with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA style.