Interpretivist Methods

Question 1

Unstructured Interviews

Answer 1

• Researcher gains ‘validity through involvement’
• Probing questions can help participants formulate responses clearly

Question 2

Grounded Theory

Answer 2

Glaser & Strauss (1968)
• we should approach research with an open mind
• we should build up and modify our hypothesis during the course of the research

Question 3

:( Unstructured Interviews: Pawson (1992)

Answer 3

Nothing distinctly feminist about Oakley’s approach

Question 4

:) Unstructured interviews: Oakley

Answer 4

• Allow research to be value committed
• Require the researched involvement
• Aim for equality and collaboration

Question 5

Participant Observation

Answer 5

Gains an insight into social actors meanings
• having the opportunity to experience participant’s life first hand provides a deeper understanding of their reality

Question 6

:( Participant Observation: Positivists

Answer 6

• Lack reliability: unstandardised procedures mean that they cannot be accurately replicated
• Lack validity: over-involvement may risk researcher over-identifying with the group and this releasing sympathetic results