QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH: TOWARDS RELATIVIST ONTOLOGY AND INTERPRETIVIST-CONSTRUCTIVIST EPISTEMOLOGY

Abstract

This paper examined qualitative research methodology and its suitability for social science research. It argued for adoption of relativist ontology and interpretivist-constructivist epistemology within the realm of qualitative Research Methodology. It first focused on quantitative research methodologies and their limitations in social science research before outlining qualitative methodologies and their applicability. It concluded that qualitative methodologies are essential in humanistic inquiry. Key Words: Relativist Ontology, Interpretivist-Constructivist Epistemology