Assumptions

Assumptions are influenced by the type of science you are researching (natural or social), the type of research you are using (explanatory, exploratory, descriptive) and the way the researcher thinks (positivism, post positivism, critical realism, poststructuralism) (Bhattacherjee, 2012; Wogemuth et al., 2017).

The way they think is noted in their epistemological, ontological, and axiology assumptions (Wolgemuth et al.). These views are often embedded in the researchers design methods (Wolgemuth et al., 2017) or in the limitations (Ph DStudent, n.d.). Even their language used in their research or how they ask their questions demonstrates their views and assumptions (Dr. Rich Schuttler, 2022).  

Need a refresher on philosophical thought? See the video below or click here.

You must be careful with your assumptions and remain socially correct without bias (Bhattacherjee, 2012). 

An example of what poor assumptions look like are here. Thomspon (2023) kindly advocates in this letter for a correction to a researcher’s assumptions that “unmarried indigenous mothers live alone” and “indigenous people consume alcohol at a higher rate than non-indigenous Canadians". She follows up with citation and evidence stating the opposite.  

One way assumptions can work for you and not against you is by ensuring you give the reader evidence that you have tried to limit chances of the assumption being false, either by citing or by providing methods of proofing your work (i.e. having your questionnaire be reviewed prior by a sample population to ensure it is comprehendible/ appropriate; Wolgemuth et al, 2017).  

Comparing natural science to social science assumptions...

A marshmallow would not contest when you call it soft;

A child may contest if you call them slow 

(Wolgemuth et al., 2017, p.133).