Axiology
Axiology in research refers to the role of values, ethics, and researcher judgement in the research process. It examines how a researcher’s beliefs, assumptions, and ethical considerations influence the design, conduct, and interpretation of a study.
On this page:
- What is Axiology?
- Axiology in Research Philosophy
- When to Use Axiology
| Philosophy | Role of Values | Researcher Position | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positivism | Value-free | Independent | Quantitative, structured |
| Realism | Value-influenced | Aware of bias | Mixed methods |
| Interpretivism | Value-bound | Part of research | Qualitative, in-depth |
| Pragmatism | Value-driven | Flexible | Mixed methods |
Axiology across research philosophies
What is Axiology?
Axiology is a branch of philosophy that studies judgements about the value[1]. The term axiology is derived from the Greek and means ‘value’ or ‘worth’. Axiology is engaged with assessment of the role of researcher’s own value on all stages of the research process.[2]. It is a relatively recent addition to the area of research philosophy.
Axiology primarily refers to the ‘aims’ of the research. This branch of the research philosophy attempts to clarify if you are trying to explain or predict the world, or are you only seeking to understand it.[3]
In simple terms, axiology focuses on what do you value in your research. This is important because your values affect how you conduct your research and what do you value in your research findings.
Moreover, axiology relates to a dissertation or any research for that matter in the following ways:
1. Ethical Considerations. Axiology guides the researcher in addressing ethical issues that may arise during the research process. It entails considering the rights and welfare of participants, ensuring informed consent, maintaining confidentiality, and avoiding potential harm or exploitation. A clear axiological framework helps researchers make responsible and ethical decisions throughout the research process.
2. Value Judgments. Axiology acknowledges that research is not conducted in a vacuum; researchers bring their own values, biases, and assumptions to their work. It encourages researchers to reflect on their own values and how they might influence their interpretation of data, formulation of conclusions, and reporting of findings. Transparent disclosure of potential biases strengthens the credibility and trustworthiness of the research.
3. Implications of Findings. Axiology encourages researchers to consider the broader implications of their findings. It prompts them to examine how their research might impact individuals, organizations, or society as a whole. By considering the potential consequences of their work, researchers can contribute to positive social change and responsible innovation.
4. Subjectivity and Objectivity. Axiology delves into the complex nature of subjectivity and objectivity in research. It recognizes that even in quantitative research, interpretations are influenced by the researcher’s values and perspectives. Researchers should strive to maintain objectivity while acknowledging the inherent subjectivity of human understanding.
5. Diversity of Perspectives. Axiology promotes the appreciation of diverse perspectives and cultural values. It encourages researchers to consider different viewpoints and avoid imposing their own values on the research subjects or findings. This inclusivity enhances the comprehensiveness and generalizability of the research.
Axiology in Research Philosophy
The table below illustraties the axiology of major research philosopies and highlights relevant methods of data collection.
| Axiology | Popular data collection techniques | |
| Positivism | Research is undertaken in a value-free way, the researcher is independent from the data and maintains an objective stance | Highly structured, large samples, measurement, quantitative can also use qualitative |
| Realism | Research is value laden; the researcher is biased by world views, cultural experiences and upbringings. These effect research findings | Methods chosen must fit the subject matter, quantitative or qualitative |
| Interpretivism | Research is value bound, the researcher is part of what is being researched, cannot be separated and so will be subjective | Small samples, in-depth investigations, qualitative |
| Pragmatism | Values play a large role in interpreting results, the researcher adopting both objective and subjective points of view | Mixed or multiple method designs, quantitative and qualitative |
Axiology of research philosophies and relevant data collection techniques[4]
When to Use Axiology
Axiology should be considered in all research, but it becomes especially important depending on your research philosophy and methods.
You should:
- Emphasise axiology strongly when using qualitative or interpretivist approaches
- Address ethical values and bias when conducting interviews or case studies
- Consider value neutrality when using quantitative or positivist approaches
- Reflect on your own assumptions and potential bias in all types of research
In your dissertation, you can add a paragraph or two discussing the relevance of axiology in your research. For example, you have chosen positivism research positivism research philosophy, you can state that axiology of your study is value-free and the research is independent from the data.
Alternatively, if your research philosophy is realism, you will need to state that axiology of your study is value laden. In this case you will have to acknowledge that your worldview may have affected your research findings. The role of value is greatest in pragmatism research philosophy and you have to stress this fact in your paper if pragmatism is the philosophy you are following.
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[1] Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2012) “Research Methods for Business Students” 6th edition, Pearson Education Limited
[2] Li, Y. (2016) “Expatriate Manager’s Adaption and Knowledge Acquisition: Personal Development in Multi-National Companies in China” Springer Publications
[3] Lee, N. & Lings, I. (2008) “Doing Business Research: A Guide to Theory and Practice” SAGE Publications
[4] Table adapted from Saunders et al. (2009)
[5] Carnaghan, I. (2013) “Philosophical Assumptions for Qualitative Research” Available at: https://www.carnaghan.com/2013/03/philosophical-assumptions-for-qualitative-research/