constructivism vs positivism

Question 1

what is positivism?

Answer 1

-uses data and stats –> unbiased and accurate indicators
-scientific method as objective + neutral means of observing + understanding the natural + societal world
-any concept, idea, or phenomenon –> codified + ‘measured’
-reality exists independently of society
-tends to favor QUANTITATIVE appr of data gathering and analysis

Question 2

what is constructivism?

Answer 2

-data, stats and quant. figures as only part of telling the story
-belief that everything is influenced by subjectivity + bias (e.g. the scientific method, stats…etc)
-some concepts, ideas or phenomena are too ABSTRACT or SUBJECTIVE to be measured accurately
-favours QUALITATIVE appr of data gathering + analysis
-no independent reality outside of that which has been constructed + reified by society

Question 3

quantitative appr?

Answer 3

-numerical data reliability
-hypothesis tested use data
- more POSITIVIST/EXPLANITORY in nature
-neutral + obj when gathering/assessing data
-larger sample size –> aim for generalizability (surveys, models, likert scales, demographic stats, crim stats, regression-based stat models (age, income, level, education level..etc)

Question 4

qualitative appr?

Answer 4

-non-numerical data
-CONSTRUCTIONALIST/EXPLORATORY in nature
-subjective interpretations of data (not neutral/objective)
-small sample/deeper analysis (no goal of generalizability)
- (various types of interviews, observations, ethnography, focus groups, open-ended questionnaires)