Tag: interpretivism
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Outline and Explain Two Reasons Why Interpretivists Prefer to Use Qualitative Research Methods (10)
A model answer to a possible 10 mark question which could appear on the AQA’s A-level papers 1 or 3. If you’re a bit ‘all at sea’ with Intrepretivism, you might like to review your understanding of it first of all by reading this post: social action theory: a summary. A developed model answer… NB…
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Some (Relatively) Recent Examples of Participant Observation Studies
Participant observation is one the main research methods on the A level sociology syllabus, but many of the examples in the main text books are painfully out of date. This post provides some more recent examples of research studies which employed participant observation as their main research method. Covert Participant Observation Pearson’s (2009) covert participant…
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Qualitative Data – Strengths and Limitations
A summary of the theoretical, practical and ethical strengths and weaknesses of qualitative data sources such as unstructured interviews, participant observation and documents. Examples of Qualitative Data Open question questionnaires Unstructured interviews Participant observation Public and private documents such as newspapers and letters. Theoretical strengths Better validity than for quantitative data More insight (Verstehen) More…
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Evaluate the View that Theoretical Factors are the most Important Factor Influencing Choice of Research Method (30)
Just a few thoughts on how you might answer this in the exam. Introduction – A variety of factors influence a Sociologist’s decision as to what research method they use: the nature of topic, theoretical, practical and ethical factors. Theoretical factors – Positivism vs Interpretivism – Positivists are interested in uncovering the underlying general laws…
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Is Sociology A Science?
Positivists argued that sociologists should study society using ‘objective’ quantitative scientific methods. Interpretivists and others argue that sociology should not and cannot be scientific and that it should be more humanistic with multiple interpretations, and they also question whether science itself is truly objective!
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Positivism and Interpretivism in Social Research
Positivists believe society shapes the individual and use quantitative methods, Interpretivists believe individuals shape society and use qualitative methods.
