The ontological position was
Research methodology and reporting expression
Use this phrase only in formal research to explain your philosophical starting point regarding what is real.
15秒了解
- Defines your belief about the nature of reality in research.
- Used exclusively in academic papers and philosophical debates.
- Sets the theoretical foundation for a study's methodology.
意思
This phrase explains your basic beliefs about what is 'real' or 'true' in a research project. It is like telling someone the specific lens or glasses you are wearing to look at the world.
关键例句
3 / 6Writing a PhD thesis methodology
The ontological position was one of critical realism, acknowledging a reality independent of human thought.
The research started from the belief that reality exists whether we think about it or not.
Explaining a study to a supervisor
Because the ontological position was relativist, we focused on individual participant experiences.
Since we believe reality is subjective, we looked at personal stories.
A high-level philosophy debate
If the ontological position was flawed from the start, the entire experiment is invalid.
If your basic idea of reality is wrong, the whole test fails.
文化背景
The phrase stems from the branch of metaphysics called ontology. In Western academic culture, defining one's ontological position is considered a 'rite of passage' for researchers to prove they aren't just collecting data blindly. It became particularly popular in the 1970s during the 'paradigm wars' between different scientific approaches.
Pair it with 'Epistemology'
In research, ontology (what is real) almost always travels with its best friend, epistemology (how we know it's real). Use them together to look like a pro.
Avoid 'Thesaurus Syndrome'
Don't use this just to sound smart. If you aren't writing a formal research paper, it will make you sound pretentious or confusing.
15秒了解
- Defines your belief about the nature of reality in research.
- Used exclusively in academic papers and philosophical debates.
- Sets the theoretical foundation for a study's methodology.
What It Means
The ontological position was is a heavy-duty academic phrase. It describes your view on the nature of reality. Are things real only if we can touch them? Or is reality just something we create in our minds? This phrase sets the stage for everything else in a study. It is the foundation of your intellectual house.
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with a specific philosophy. Common partners include realism, relativism, or constructivism. Use it at the very start of your methodology section. It tells your reader exactly how you plan to measure the world. It is like giving them a map before the hike starts.
When To Use It
Save this for serious academic writing or high-level theory discussions. Use it in a Master's thesis or a PhD dissertation. You might also hear it in a philosophy seminar. If you want to sound like a true expert during a defense, this is your golden ticket. It shows you understand the deep 'why' behind your work.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this at a casual brunch with friends. If you say, "The ontological position was that the eggs were cold," people will stare. Avoid it in basic business emails or casual blog posts. It is too dense for everyday life. It sounds incredibly stiff and robotic outside of a university setting. Don't be that person at the party!
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from ancient Greek roots, specifically 'ontos' meaning 'being.' Western academia loves categorizing thought into neat boxes. In English-speaking universities, being clear about your 'position' is a sign of rigor. It reflects a culture that values transparency and logical consistency. It has been a staple of social science since the mid-20th century.
Common Variations
You might see The ontological stance was or From an ontological perspective. Some writers prefer The study adopted an ontological position of. They all mean the same thing. They just give you different ways to sound smart. Pick the one that flows best with your next sentence.
使用说明
This is a C1/C2 level academic expression. Use it only in formal writing or high-level intellectual discourse; using it in casual conversation will likely result in confusion or social awkwardness.
Pair it with 'Epistemology'
In research, ontology (what is real) almost always travels with its best friend, epistemology (how we know it's real). Use them together to look like a pro.
Avoid 'Thesaurus Syndrome'
Don't use this just to sound smart. If you aren't writing a formal research paper, it will make you sound pretentious or confusing.
The 'Reality' Secret
In English academic culture, admitting you have a 'position' is actually more respected than pretending to be 100% objective. It shows you know your own biases!
例句
6The ontological position was one of critical realism, acknowledging a reality independent of human thought.
The research started from the belief that reality exists whether we think about it or not.
This is the standard, most common way to use the phrase in a dissertation.
Because the ontological position was relativist, we focused on individual participant experiences.
Since we believe reality is subjective, we looked at personal stories.
Used here to justify why a specific research method was chosen.
If the ontological position was flawed from the start, the entire experiment is invalid.
If your basic idea of reality is wrong, the whole test fails.
Used to challenge the logic of a peer's argument.
I've been writing for six hours and I'm not even sure what my ontological position was anymore. Do I even exist?
I am so tired of writing this paper that I'm questioning reality.
A common joke among grad students about the density of the topic.
The ontological position was never clearly defined, which led to confusion in the data analysis.
We didn't decide what we believed about reality, so the results were messy.
An emotional realization about a professional mistake.
The author should clarify whether the ontological position was consistent with the chosen methods.
The writer needs to check if their philosophy matches their math.
Critiquing the logical flow of a scientific paper.
自我测试
Choose the correct term to complete the academic statement.
In this study, the ___ position was that social reality is constructed through language.
The word `ontological` is the specific term used to describe the nature of reality in research.
Select the best verb to follow the phrase in a past-tense report.
The ontological position ___ clearly stated in the first chapter.
Since 'position' is singular, we use the singular verb `was` for a past-tense report.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality Level of 'The ontological position was'
Talking to friends
I think that...
Work meeting
Our basic assumption is...
Academic Paper
The ontological position was...
Where to use this expression
Thesis Writing
Defining the study's framework
Philosophy Seminar
Debating the nature of existence
Peer Review
Critiquing a journal submission
Research Defense
Explaining your logic to professors
常见问题
10 个问题It refers to the study of 'being' or 'existence.' In research, it is simply your starting belief about whether the thing you are studying is a hard fact or a subjective opinion.
Probably not. It is too academic for most business settings. Instead, try saying Our underlying assumptions were or Our perspective was.
In a completed research report, yes, you use was. However, in a research proposal for the future, you would say The ontological position will be.
They are almost identical. Position is slightly more common in formal papers, while stance feels a bit more active, like you are taking a side in a fight.
Both! It is a standard part of international academic English used in universities worldwide.
Yes, but in very formal papers, writers often use The to sound more objective. Using My is becoming more acceptable in modern qualitative research.
The biggest mistake is not defining what the position actually was. Don't just say it existed; you must follow it with a term like objectivism or subjectivism.
It is much more common in Social Sciences (Sociology, Psychology, Education). In Physics, the ontological position is usually assumed to be realism, so they don't always state it.
Position sounds more stable and grounded. A view can change easily, but a position is the foundation your whole research project is built on.
Yes, if it is a philosophy or advanced social science essay. Your professor will likely be very impressed that you are thinking about the theory behind the facts.
相关表达
Epistemological framework
The theory of how we acquire knowledge.
Theoretical underpinning
The basic ideas that support a larger theory.
Paradigm shift
A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Methodological approach
The specific way you choose to conduct your research.
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