ACROSS FAMILIES/ Philosophy
Axiology
Whose values shape the study?
Axiology concerns values, including what is considered worthwhile, desirable or ethically justified. In methodology it asks how values shape topic selection, funding, constructs, interpretation and intended use. It overlaps with research ethics but extends beyond consent and compliance to whose questions are prioritised and how benefits, burdens and credibility are distributed.
WHEN IT FITS
Use when defending the purpose of a study, making value-laden outcomes explicit or explaining conflicts between sponsor priorities, participant interests and the researcher's own commitments.
Strengths
- Makes research priorities and evaluative criteria inspectable
- Clarifies tensions between evidence, interests and desirable outcomes
Limitations
- Declarations can remain symbolic without procedural consequences
- Stakeholders may hold irreconcilable value commitments
Know the boundary
Values influence research but do not make factual claims immune from criticism.
USED ACROSS
Banking & financeBusiness & MBAPsychologyComputer scienceEducation