Positivist and Interpretivist Approach

Introduction

Positivist and interpretivist approaches are diverse but significant methods in the sociological survey and exploration. The interpretivist approach is based on a subjective models that relate to a way of research known to be mainly qualitative. This approach to enquiry is based on the subjective experience of individuals. The main aim is to seek an understanding of the methods in which personsmake, adjust and understand the social world which they dwell. However, Max Weber advanced interpretive sociology discovered an insufficiency in the positivistic sociology pioneered by prominent figure Émile Durkheim. Positivism is considered as a mode of thinking– an epistemology – that strivesto gainclarifications on events in order that their fundamentalregulations can be learned.

Contrasts between Positivist and Interpretivist approach

Positivism is a system of modeling the legality of knowledge since it is derived from experimental ratification. Positivism generally represents natural science, and therefore, is considered as a form of science by the researchers.  In contrast, interpretivism was created as an alternative approach of the positivism method to emphasize on the sympathetic prejudiced understanding as diverse to obstinate facts or observations. The sole aim of the interpretive approach is to understand human behavior from a societal outlook and a specific perspective. Interpretivismpermits a more candid collaborative communication to develop.

Positivism has a preference for quantitative approaches such as social assessments, organized feedback form, and certified figures as they are considered to be reliable and accurate (Noordin& Masrek, 2016). The positivist approach uses quantitative procedures as they allow the scholar to remains detached from the participants. The positivist approach emphasizes on the significance of conducting a quantitative study such as extensive scale assessments to have a general idea of society altogether and to discover social inclinations, such as the connection between learning achievements and social class. This kind of sociology is further intent in inclinations and patterns instead of persons.

In contrast, interpretivism aims at using qualitative techniques such as amorphous discussions and observation of participants. Interpretivism has a preference for qualitative approaches which approve of the close contact with participants. According to Bryman (2016), interpretivism approach persons are sophisticated and intricate and diverse individuals that may encounter and comprehend the similar ‘impartial reality’ in incredibly various means. Human beings are perceived to portray their own, different motives for acting in the universe, and as a result, scientific systems are inappropriate.

Similarity

Positivism and interpretivism are both significant theoretical attitudes in sociology. They portray a similar aspect of assisting in the social assessment that evaluates human beings’ behavior in society.  Both methods encompass the application of observations to tackle questions based on their research, define their information, and create strong opinions from the report (Walliman, 2015). Both approaches choose and utilize systematic methods intended to attain the utmost denotation from the information, and for the outcomes have effectiveness relating to the particular opinions of authenticity. Another similarity is that they both apply methods to confirm their information. For instance, they include tenacious surveillance with a constant and lengthy exploration of the research survey with considering explanations of the rivals.

Conclusion

Even though there are numerous comparisons and differences in both approaches, in addition to the merits and demerits, several researchers trust that interpretivism method is only better in instances where the technique used in the analysis is narrowly linked to the topic or the subject matter of the study. The positivist approach believes that the community and the conduct of human beings may be reviewed through scientific methods. Conversely, the interpretivist approach indicates that human behavior can only be researched through the use of qualitative and non-scientific techniques.

 

 

References

Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods. Oxford university press.

Crotty, M. (1998). The foundations of social research: Meaning and perspective in the research process. Sage.

Della Porta, D., & Keating, M. (Eds.). (2008). Approaches and methodologies in the social sciences: A pluralist perspective. Cambridge University Press.

Noordin, S. A., & Masrek, M. N. (2016). Adopting the quantitative and qualitative methods in the social science research: Justifying the underpinning philosophical orientation. In Proceeding of the 28th International Business & Information Management Association (IBIMA) Conference Seville, Spain, 9-10 November 2016.

Walliman, N. (2015). Social research methods: The essentials. Sage.