Research methodology

“What do you understand by

Interpretivism in social research.

INTRODUCTION
What is Interpretivism?
Interpretivism is a philosophical and methodological approach to social research
that emphasizes the importance of understanding and interpreting the subjective
meanings and perspectives of individuals and groups. It stands in contrast to
positivism, which seeks to apply natural science methods to social research,
focusing on observable and quantifiable phenomena.

Positivism (Objectivism) – Positivists believe that there is only one reality that
can be measured and understood. Therefore, to measure this reality, quantitative
methods are employed. The philosophy of positivism in research is strongly related
to the concept of fact-based inquiry. The systematic investigation of data sources
is a rigorous method used in positivism-based research. It holds that the only
knowledge that can be relied upon is "factual" knowledge obtained via observation
and measurement. The researcher's responsibility in positivism is restricted to
gathering and analysing data. It is depends on quantitative observations that result
in statistical investigations. In positivism-based studies, a suggested hypothesis is
supported by statistical analysis of the data. Here, the information was gathered
using questionnaires for the primary analysis or through already-existing data
sources for the secondary analysis. Since positivism holds that there is only one

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reality, the relationship between the two variables in this case is established but
the reason for the relationship or the "WHY" question is not revealed.
Pragmatism– The philosophy of pragmatism depends on the study subject. It
holds that the research question should guide the choice of the research
philosophy. According on the nature of the research subject, pragmatism might
combine both positivism and Interpretivism perspectives within the scope of a
single study. It is a problem-oriented philosophy that holds that the best research
techniques are those that contribute most significantly to the solution of the
research topic. Consequently, a combination of quantitative and qualitative
methodologies are employed to assess various aspects of a study subject.
Interpretivism (Subjectivism/ Constructivism) -The term interpretivism refers
to the ways via which one can gain knowledge of the world, which loosely relies on
interpreting or understanding the meanings that humans attach to their actions. It
does not believe in a single relative but is based on the existence of multiple
realities. Thus, it uses qualitative methods to reach those multiple realities.
Interpretivism integrates human interest into a study and assumes that access to
reality (or realities) is only through social constructions such as language,
consciousness, shared meanings, and instruments. Thus, here data is collected
through interviews and talking to people s that different perspectives (different
realities) of people can be analysed. So, it is important for the researcher as a social
actor to appreciate differences between people thereby using qualitative analysis.
Here the emphasis is laid on finding an answer to “WHY” and unlike positivism, it is
not merely focused on establishing a relationship between existing variables. For
example- why are the employees in an organization not able to adapt to the new
training system. Further, Interpretivism can be biased since it is based on individual
believes and experiences.
 It refers to the range of theoretical perspectives which assert that there is a
fundamental difference between the natural and the social worlds
 Society cannot be best understood through a scientific or quantitative
approach. There are no social laws to uncover. Norms and values do not exist
independently from individuals.
 Instead the social world can only be understood by studying the 'meanings'
humans construct and negotiate through their interactions The social world
is separate from the natural world and should be studied differently.
 Interpretivists therefore adopt qualitative methods.
An example of the Interpretivists approach to sociological research is a study
performed by Stephen Jeffrey Brewer of the University of Connecticut. Brewer
conducted a series of interviews with eighteen couples who were either married or
living together. He analysed their responses and compared them to each other. He
found that successful partnerships had three stages of commitment. He also found
that commitment during a marriage was oftentimes preceded by things that
happened before it began. Brewer was careful to state that he used Interpretivism
in conjunction with quantitative methods, meaning that he used a mixed methods
form of analysis.

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Interpretivism is an important resource for sociologists because it gives them a
reliable method for analyzing data that is difficult or impossible to measure in
quantitative ways.

Interpretivism is a qualitative research method that analyzes events in society

based on the beliefs, norms, and values of the culture in which they occur. It was
first developed by Max Weber in the early 19th century.
Interpretivism is based on the assumption that reality is subjective, multiple, and
socially constructed. It focuses on individuals' beliefs, motivations, and reasoning
over quantitative data to gain understanding of social interactions.
Interpretivism is based on the following assumptions:
 Events are analyzed based on the specific value-system of the society or
culture they occur in.
 Reality is subjective, multiple, and socially constructed.
 We can only understand someone's reality through their experience of that
reality.

Interpretivism has the following disadvantages:

 The subjective nature of this approach.
 Great room for bias on behalf of the researcher.
Quantitative data may add more precision and clearer understanding of the
phenomenon of interest than qualitative data.

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Here are some key concepts associated with Interpretivism in social
research:
1. Subjective Reality: Interpretivists argue that social phenomena cannot be
studied in the same way as natural phenomena because humans have subjective
experiences and interpretations of the world. Therefore, researchers should aim
to understand and interpret the meaning people attach to their experiences. It
posits that social reality is constructed through the subjective experiences,
meanings, and interpretations of individuals. Researchers should aim to
understand and interpret these subjective realities rather than seeking objective,
universal truths.
2. Qualitative Methods: Interpretive research often relies on qualitative methods
such as interviews, participant observation, content analysis, ethnography, and
narrative analysis. These methods allow researchers to gather rich, in-depth data
that can help uncover the complexities of human behaviour and perspectives.

3. Contextual Understanding: Interpretivists believe that social phenomena must

be understood in their specific social and cultural contexts. They emphasize the
importance of context in shaping individuals' interpretations and actions.
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4. Hermeneutics: Hermeneutics is a central concept in interpretive research. It
refers to the process of interpretation and understanding, especially in the context
of interpreting texts or the meanings people ascribe to their experiences.
Researchers employing hermeneutics aim to uncover deeper layers of meaning in
social phenomena.
5. Reflexivity: Interpretive researchers often acknowledge their own subjectivity
and biases in the research process. They may reflect on how their own
perspectives and experiences can influence the interpretation of data and take
steps to minimize such biases.
6. Inductive Approach: Interpretive research typically follows an inductive
approach, where theories and hypotheses emerge from the data rather than
being imposed on it in advance. Researchers allow patterns and themes to emerge
from their analysis of qualitative data.

7. Social Constructionism: Interpretivists often draw on social constructionist

theories, which suggest that reality is not objective but is constructed through
social interactions and language. This perspective emphasizes the role of language
in shaping our understanding of the world.

8. Holistic Understanding: Interpretive research aims to provide a holistic

understanding of social phenomena by considering the interplay of various factors
and perspectives. It seeks to capture the richness and complexity of human
experiences.
Interpretivism is commonly used in fields such as sociology, anthropology,
psychology, and qualitative education research. It is particularly suited for
research questions that involve exploring the meanings people attach to their
experiences, cultural practices, and social interactions.

CONCLUSION

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Interpretivism in research is an approach that emphasizes the importance of
understanding and interpreting the subjective meanings and perspectives of
individuals and groups in the context of social phenomena. This approach
acknowledges that people have their own unique experiences, interpretations,
and understandings of the world, and it seeks to explore these subjective aspects
of human existence. Interpretivism is often used in social sciences and humanities
research and stands in contrast to positivism, which emphasizes empirical
observation and quantitative data.
Interpretivism is particularly well-suited for research questions that involve
exploring the lived experiences, cultural practices, and social interactions of
individuals and groups. It is commonly used in fields such as anthropology,
sociology, psychology, and qualitative education research, where a deep
understanding of human behaviour and social dynamics is essential.

References:-
Interpretivism Definition, History & Approach -
https://study.com/learn/lesson/interpretivism-sociology-concept-
origin.html#:~:text=The%20definition%20of%20interpretivism%20is,to%20human
%20actions%20in%20sociology
Interpretivism Research Philosophy – research-methodology.
https://research-methodology.net/research-philosophy/interpretivism/
Positivism and Interpretivism in Social Research
https://revisesociology.com/2015/05/18/positivism-interpretivism-sociology/
Interpretivism: Meaning, Positivism & Example
https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/social-studies/theories-and-
methods/interpretivism/