Question
What is the interpretivist approach to research?
Answer
The interpretivist approach to research is a qualitative methodology that emphasises understanding the meanings and experiences of individuals within their social contexts. It contrasts with positivist approaches, which focus on objective measurements and generalisable findings.
Key characteristics of interpretivist approach include:
Philosophical standpoint: Interpretivism, also known as constructionist philosophy, posits that all data requires interpretation. Researchers work collaboratively with participants to construct meanings, rather than treating them as subjects to be controlled (Darby, Fugate and Murray, 2019; Alharahsheh and Pius, 2020).
Focus on context and meaning: This approach views knowledge as socially constructed and context-dependent, emphasising the importance of understanding diverse backgrounds and the researcher’s positionality (Lyu, 2024; Walt, 2020).
Methodological flexibility: Interpretivist research often involves qualitative methods, but it can also be applied to quantitative data to uncover underlying processes and meanings. This involves triangulating data from multiple perspectives and integrating measurement and modeling into a holistic discovery process (Babones, 2016; Lin, 1998).
Validation as a process: Instead of viewing validity as an outcome, interpretivist research sees it as an ongoing process, internalised within the research philosophy. This approach requires reflexivity and a focus on the quality of the research process (Leitch, Hill and Harrison, 2010).
Integration with other approaches: While traditionally seen as opposed to positivism, interpretivism can be integrated with positivist methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of research phenomena. This integration can enhance creativity and progress in fields like organisational research and supply chain management (Lee, 1991; Lin, 1998; Darby, Fugate and Murray, 2019).
The interpretivist approach to research is centreed on understanding the subjective meanings and experiences of individuals within their social contexts. It emphasises the construction of knowledge through collaboration and reflexivity, offering a flexible and context-sensitive alternative to positivist methodologies. This approach can be integrated with other research paradigms to enrich the understanding of complex phenomena.
References
Babones, S., 2016. Interpretive Quantitative Methods for the Social Sciences. Sociology, 50, pp. 453 – 469. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038038515583637
Lee, A., 1991. Integrating Positivist and Interpretive Approaches to Organisational Research. Organisation Science, 2, pp. 342-365. https://doi.org/10.1287/ORSC.2.4.342
Leitch, C., Hill, F., & Harrison, R., 2010. The Philosophy and Practice of Interpretivist Research in Entrepreneurship. Organisational Research Methods, 13, pp. 67 – 84. https://doi.org/10.1177/1094428109339839
Lin, A., 1998. Bridging Positivist and Interpretivist Approaches to Qualitative Methods. Policy Studies Journal, 26, pp. 162-180. https://doi.org/10.1111/J.1541-0072.1998.TB01931.X
Darby, J., Fugate, B., & Murray, J., 2019. Interpretive Research. Approaches and Processes of Social Science Research. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-07-2018-0187
Darby, J., Fugate, B., & Murray, J., 2019. Interpretive research. The International Journal of Logistics Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-07-2018-0187
Alharahsheh, H., & Pius, A., 2020. A Review of key paradigms: positivism VS interpretivism. **.
Lyu, Y., 2024. Shifting Research Paradigms in Educational Research: From Positivism to Interpretivism. Science, Technology and Social Development Proceedings Series. https://doi.org/10.70088/bmq18v35
Walt, J., 2020. Interpretivism-Constructivism as a Research Method in the Humanities and Social Sciences – More to It Than Meets the Eye. **.
