مجلة إحالات
Volume 8, Numéro 2, Pages 8-14
2026-11-10

The Research Onion: The Importance Of Philosophy In Research Design

Authors : Mizab Manel .

Abstract

Many early-career researchers view data collection as the starting point of a study, often overlooking the philosophical foundations that justify their choice of methods. While a research problem can be addressed through various lenses, the specific path chosen depends heavily on the researcher's worldview. This paper highlights the necessity of understanding the "layers" of research, as categorized in Saunders et al.’s (2007) Research Onion. By examining the roles of ontology, epistemology, and axiology, the author demonstrates how these assumptions shape every subsequent decision—from research strategy to data analysis. Ultimately, this paper provides a roadmap for researchers to transition from superficial data gathering to philosophically grounded inquiry.

Keywords

Epistemology ; methodology ; novice researchers ; ontology ; research assumptions ; research onion ; research philosophies