Module 2: Philosophical Assumptions & Research Paradigms
Directly targets **DECEMBER 2024 EXAM QUESTION TWO [20 MARKS]**. Master Ontological, Epistemological, Axiomatic, and Philosophical assumptions in CS.
Part 1: Dec 2024 Exam Question 2 (Compulsory - 20 Marks)
M2-Q01[DEC 2024 EXAM Q2(a)] [CLASSIFY & GROUND]
Explain Philosophical Assumptions that may be held by a researcher in Computer Science. [5 Marks]
NUST Model Answer [5 Marks]:
Philosophical assumptions are the overarching worldview (worldview paradigms) and foundational beliefs that a researcher brings to a study. They guide how knowledge is conceptualized, gathered, interpreted, and reported.
Key Paradigms in CS:
Positivism: Assumes objective reality exists independently of human observation. Data must be quantitative and measurable (e.g., CPU cycle benchmarking, algorithm execution time).
Interpretivism / Constructivism: Assumes reality is socially constructed and subjective (e.g., studying how developers perceive software usability or AI ethics adoption).
Pragmatism: Focuses on "what works" to solve a practical problem, combining quantitative and qualitative methods as needed (e.g., building a biometric auth system and measuring both latency and user trust).
M2-Q02[DEC 2024 EXAM Q2(b)] [CLASSIFY & GROUND]
Explain Epistemological Assumptions in Computer Science research. Contrast Objectivist vs. Subjectivist Epistemology with CS examples. [5 Marks]
NUST Model Answer [5 Marks]:
Epistemology is the theory of knowledge—it addresses how we know what we know and the relationship between the researcher and the knowledge being investigated.
Contrast Matrix:
Objectivist Epistemology: Assumes knowledge is acquired through objective, value-free observation and measurement without researcher interference.
CS Example: Measuring network throughput or RAM allocation of an openEuler kernel driver using automated script execution.
Subjectivist Epistemology: Assumes knowledge is constructed through interaction and interpretation between researcher and participants.
CS Example: Conducting semi-structured interviews with senior IT managers to understand organizational resistance to cloud migration.
M2-Q03[DEC 2024 EXAM Q2(c)] [CLASSIFY & GROUND]
Explain Ontological Assumptions in Computer Science research. Contrast Realist Ontology vs. Relativist Ontology with CS examples. [5 Marks]
NUST Model Answer [5 Marks]:
Ontology is the branch of philosophy concerning the nature of reality and existence (what is "real").
CS Comparison:
Realist Ontology (Objectivist Reality): Assumes reality exists external to human perception and follows static physical/logical laws.
CS Example: Physical silicon properties of a CPU, memory cache misses, network bandwidth caps, and binary logic gates.
Relativist Ontology (Subjectivist Reality): Assumes reality is multiple, contextual, and created by human experiences and social context.
CS Example: The "usability" or "user experience (UX)" of a software interface, where the reality of effectiveness varies across different user skill levels.
M2-Q04[DEC 2024 EXAM Q2(d)] [CLASSIFY & GROUND]
Explain Axiomatic / Axiological Assumptions in research and state their role in computer science research ethics. [5 Marks]
NUST Model Answer [5 Marks]:
Axiology (Axiomatic assumptions) is the study of values and ethics in research—it addresses the role that the researcher's values, ethical stances, and biases play in guiding the study.
Role in CS Research:
Value-Free Stance (Positivist): The researcher remains detached to eliminate bias when reporting empirical metrics (e.g., reporting true benchmarks without hiding underperforming metrics).
Ethical Responsibility in AI & Systems: In modern CS research (e.g., biometric auth or algorithmic decision-making), axiology mandates mitigating algorithmic bias, ensuring privacy protection, and gaining Institutional Review Board (IRB) ethical clearance before gathering human data.
Part 2: Exam Drill & Scenario Classification
M2-Q05[APPLY & SOLVE]
SCENARIO DRILL: A researcher is benchmarking openEuler OS char driver memory overhead under stress, while simultaneously surveying system administrators on their satisfaction with openEuler CLI tools. Identify the underlying Philosophical Paradigm, Epistemology, and Ontology for this study.
NUST Model Answer [5 Marks]:
Philosophical Paradigm: Pragmatism (Mixed methods approach combining quantitative performance metrics with qualitative user evaluation).
Ontology: Dual / Mixed (Realist Ontology for kernel memory stress tests; Relativist Ontology for administrator user satisfaction).
Epistemology: Objectivist for kernel latency logs; Subjectivist for administrator survey responses.