Research Paradigms - The Interpretive Paradigm - Key Questions for the Interpretive Paradigm

3 important questions on Research Paradigms - The Interpretive Paradigm - Key Questions for the Interpretive Paradigm

How does the interpretive approach to science differ from the natural sciences?

Biologists and other natural scientists many predict the exact composition of an organism, while social scientists are not able to make similar predictions of human behavior. Interpretivists on the other hand, are not interested in predicting human behavior, but understanding human experiences. E.g. While a social scientist might try to predict a relationship between a game and violent behavior, an interpretivist might study how a player understands and/or experiences violence in the game.

What is human nature?

While social scientists look for patterns leading to explanation, prediction and control, interpretive researchers understand patterns differently. They believe patterns exist in human nature, but the patterns are a result of ever-evolving meaning systems, norms and conventions people learn through interactions.

What is the place of values in interpretive scientific research?

An interpretive researcher is a subjective participant who is actively involved in the research process. It is impossible for them to separate value and morals from research decisions/outcomes.

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