Interpretivism

Question 1

Define interpretivism

Answer 1

Interpretivism is the sociological perspective that the aim of social research is to understand the subjective meanings of the individual. Interpretivists seek to explore the way people see society. They reject objective scientific methods of research.

Question 2

Interpretivist methodology

Answer 2

Interpretivism Is widely regarded as an inductive approach to research. Inductive approaches aim to build a theory from in depth observations. Sociologists advocating an approach of subjective understanding emphasise the importance of the following factors in social research

1. Meaning
2. Context
3. unanticipated phenomena
4. process

Question 3

Theoretical perspectives linked to interpretivism

Answer 3

Interpretivists generally support a theoretical model of society that is based on the idea that society is the product of the beliefs, activities and interactions of individuals.

Question 4

Max Weber (differs from Durkheim emphasises Verstehen)

Answer 4

For Weber, society was very different from an inanimate object. Individuals behaviour can only be understood by looking through the eyes of the actor (verstehen). He defined sociology as a ‘science which attempts the interpretive understanding of social action in order to arrive at causal explanations’

Question 5

Symbolic Interactionism and labelling

Answer 5

According to Blumer, societies do not have an existence independent of people’s understanding of it. Social objects and events are all interpreted by people in various socially learned ways and then people respond to them in terms of these learned meanings.

Question 6

Evaluation of social action theories

Answer 6

Those adopting the alternative theoretical perspective on the nature of society adamantly reject social action theories. Structural theories advocate the existence of external social structures influencing the individual: For example, functionalists believe see society as based on a value consensus and Marxists believe a capitalist structure explains society.
These argue that you cannot build a theory up inductively as you will learn nothing about the social structures from examining the individual.

Question 7

Research methods of interpretivists

Answer 7

As interpretivists believe that the social world can only be understood through the individual social actors in it, they favour more in-depth and subjective methods which make up qualitative research.

Question 8

Define ethnography

Answer 8

Ethnography is a general term used by sociologists to refer to participant observation, or an observation assisted with in depth interviewing. Ethnography therefore involves the sociologist immersing themselves in as much social activity as possible to gain an in-depth understanding of the group.

Question 9

Depending on the extent of involvement on behalf of the researcher (participant or non participant), and the amount of information provided to the subject (covert or overt), what questions do these raise?

Answer 9

1. What is possible?
2. What is ethically correct?
3. What will produce the most valid results.

Question 10

Gold has suggestions that the result of making these decisions will determine the researcher in one oof the four observer roles.

Answer 10

1. complete participant
2. participant as observer
3. observer as participant
4. Complete observed

Question 11

Ethnographic research; Getting in:

Answer 11

Making contact, Gatekeepers- Participant observational research by nature is interested in groups difficult to gain access to- those who are marginal to society, therefore may require a gatekeeper who opens the door for them.
For example, in Bourgois’ study of East Harlem, it was a local part time crack dealer, Primo, who befriended him

Question 12

STAYING IN

Answer 12

Recording Field notes, Going Native- Once settled, one of the biggest problems faced in participant observation is how to record information. This is particularly problematic for researchers in covert roles. For example, in Ditton’s workplace study, he would go into the toilets to write up his research using the toilet paper for his notes.

Question 13

GETTING OUT

Answer 13

Glaser and Strauss argue the best time to get out is when new information does no more than confirm what the sociologist has already found out. Leaving the group can be a dangerous and emotional issue. For instance, James Patrick used a false name to infiltrate the gang, knowing that if they found him after they left, they would get their revenge.

Question 14

Sampling in Qualitative Research: CONVENIENCE SAMPLING

Answer 14

This applies to any group used for research that is easily available to the researcher at the time. Very commonly used in ethnography because problems of entry and acceptance by the group being studied are kept to a minimum. Typically used for research into occupational groups (teachers, nurses, students).

Question 15

SNOWBALL SAMPLING

Answer 15

Most common in studying deviant groups because it involves finding one initial person to act as a gatekeeper to build up more contacts. Tends to be restricted to one group

Question 16

THEORETICAL SAMPLING

Answer 16

Closely related with grounded theory methodology. Instead of starting off with a hypotheses to prove/disprove a theory, the researcher chooses an area of interest where ideas emerge. At each stage of research, the source of data collection would have to change as new ideas develop.

Question 17

Evaluation:

- VALUES

Answer 17

Although a value free sociology may not be possible, there are reasonable limits to observe. Qualitative research is almost impossible to untangle the personal biases of the researcher.

Question 18

• GENERALISABILITY

Answer 18

Often small scale qualitative research specific to a particular group. Positivists claim that there are therefore problems of transferability as they may not apply to other situations. The research is hence not generalizable as it involves highly localised groups that aim to uncover the meaning of specific situations.

Question 19

• LACK OF TRANSPARENCY

Answer 19

According to Burgess, in the qualitative methods associated with interpretive sociology, it is often unclear how conclusions are reached, resting heavily upon the intuition and understanding of the researcher. The reader of the research has to take it on trust that the perception of the situation as described by the researcher is accurate.