Epistemology and Social Science Education
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Abstract
Epistemology plays a fundamental role in shaping the methodologies and theoretical frameworks employed in social science research. It concerns the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge, providing essential insights into how knowledge is generated, interpreted, and validated. Epistemological perspectives critically influence how researchers conceptualize social phenomena and engage with social reality. This article investigates the epistemological foundations underlying social science research, with a particular focus on three key paradigms: positivism, interpretivism, and critical theory. By examining the impact of these epistemological orientations on both quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study highlights how they inform research design, theory development, and the integration of theoretical and empirical work. The findings underscore the importance of epistemological clarity in enhancing the rigor, transparency, and credibility of social science inquiry.
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