Answer :
Final answer:
The correct answer to the student's question is 'Constructivist reality,' which indicates that individuals and social interactions shape our perceptions of reality, aligning with a subjective and constructivist ontology in social sciences.
Explanation:
The question refers to different ontological perspectives within the social sciences regarding the nature of reality. The correct answer to the student's question is c) Constructivist reality, which posits that reality is not simply something that exists 'out there' but is shaped through our experiences and interactions. The subjective view of reality in the social sciences aligns with the constructivist approach, suggesting that our understanding of reality is constructed through societal interactions, customs, and beliefs.
Ontology in the field of social sciences addresses how we perceive and define reality, whether it's believed to be objective and singular, or subjective and variable. For example, an objective reality suggests that there is one true reality that exists independent of human perceptions, and this ontology is typically associated with quantitative research methodologies. Conversely, the subjective and constructivist realities acknowledge that individuals and cultures create shared meanings through interactions, leading to a reality that is constructed and contextual.
These ontological positions are crucial as they guide the underlying assumptions and methods used by researchers in their studies, whether aiming to uncover an objective truth or understand the diversity of subjective experiences in social contexts.
