Positivism vs Interpretivism in Research

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Questions and Answers

What are the common sources of acquiring knowledge about the social world?

Statistical models, technological advancements, and surveys

Tradition, authority, and media myths (correct)

Experiments, data analysis, and public opinion

Intuition, observation, and scientific theory

Which of the following represent errors in human inquiry?

Illogical reasoning and overgeneralizations (correct)

Systematic reviews and meta-analysis

Hypothetical reasoning and critical thinking

Qualitative analysis and quantitative measurements

What is the main argument of positivism in social science research?

Reality is subjective and shaped by human perception.

Reality exists independently of human observation. (correct)

Knowledge is acquired solely through theoretical frameworks.

Scientific truth can only be verified by moral standards.

Which of the following best describes the ontology of positivists?

Realism, where reality exists independently of individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What role do ontology and epistemology play in social research?

They guide the analysis and understanding of what is studied Signup and view all the answers

Which paradigm is associated with a more subjective understanding of social phenomena?

Interpretivism Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the study of knowledge and its validity?

Epistemology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following approaches is NOT traditionally associated with social sciences research?

Naturalism Signup and view all the answers

What error occurs when researchers make generalized conclusions based on limited observations?

Overgeneralization Signup and view all the answers

How do positivists view the social world in comparison to the natural world?

They strive to understand it in the same manner as the natural world. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the research process?

Publishing the findings Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of using the scientific approach in social research?

It prevents errors in inquiries Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of paradigms in social science research?

They provide a framework for understanding and observation. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of social science research, what is the relationship between paradigms and approaches?

The terms are used interchangeably to describe similar concepts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods are influenced by the dominant paradigms in social research?

Qualitative and quantitative methodologies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following positions is typically associated with a positivist perspective?

Empirical observation is key to understanding reality. Signup and view all the answers

What role does common sense play in interpretive research?

It helps understand human perceptions of their situations. Signup and view all the answers

How do interpretivists view values in relation to social reality?

Values are integral and should be acknowledged. Signup and view all the answers

What do critical social scientists believe about social reality?

It is masked by external appearances. Signup and view all the answers

What do critical social scientists criticize about positivist approaches?

They emphasize the search for objective facts is misguided. Signup and view all the answers

What is often seen as a distraction from understanding real societal issues?

Frameworks constructed by institutions like mass media. Signup and view all the answers

Why do critical social scientists believe in using theory?

Theory helps reveal hidden structures of social reality. Signup and view all the answers

What underlying mechanisms do critical social scientists seek to expose?

Mechanisms that result in inequality and exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of critical social science, why is surface-level observation insufficient?

It often does not reflect the actual complexities of social realities. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for aggression among spectators in sports?

The losing team’s supporters face frustration from losing. Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstance are children more likely to display aggressive behavior?

When they face frustration over a toy being monopolized. Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to political violence among impoverished individuals?

Frustration over their inability to provide for their families. Signup and view all the answers

How does unemployment relate to criminal violence among youth?

Economic frustrations may lead them to commit robbery as an outlet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a theory's level of abstraction?

Higher abstraction allows for broader generalizations and applicability. Signup and view all the answers

How do abstract concepts differ from concrete concepts?

Abstract concepts lack specific details. Signup and view all the answers

What role does logical reasoning play in the context of theory?

It is essential for uncovering patterns in social phenomena. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'scope of a theory' refer to?

The variety of units or situations to which the theory can be applied. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key purpose of theory in social science?

To offer systematic explanations for phenomena Signup and view all the answers

How does Goffman's stigma theory characterize stigma?

As attributes that distinguish individuals from societal expectations Signup and view all the answers

What is a conceptual framework in the context of theory?

A coherent organization of interrelated propositions Signup and view all the answers

What do interrelated propositions in a theory aim to achieve?

They create a coherent explanation of social phenomena Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for propositions in a theory to be logically organized?

To facilitate a clear understanding of causal relationships Signup and view all the answers

What role does theory play in understanding complex phenomena?

It aids in developing a focused understanding of connections Signup and view all the answers

In the context of stigma, what leads to discrimination according to Goffman's theory?

Negative perceptions of certain identities Signup and view all the answers

What does the definition of theory emphasize according to Babbie?

The systematic nature of explanations for observations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Positivism

Positivism is a research approach that emphasizes the scientific method to understand social phenomena.
Positivists believe that reality exists independently of human perception and can be studied objectively.
Positivists use quantitative methods to collect data and analyze relationships between variables.
The goal of positivist research is to develop laws and theories that explain social phenomena.
Positivism is based on the idea that social phenomena can be studied in a similar way to the natural world.
The ontological position of positivists is realism.

Interpretivism

Interpretivists believe that social reality is constructed through human interpretation.
Interpretivists use qualitative methods to understand the meanings and experiences of individuals in social contexts.
They focus on subjective experiences and how individuals interpret social phenomena.
Interpretivists believe that values are an integral part of social reality.
They value understanding perspectives and meanings over objective truth.

Critical Theory Approach

Critical theorists believe that social reality is shaped by power structures and social inequalities.
Critical research aims to uncover the hidden mechanisms that maintain social inequalities and exploitation.
Critical theorists emphasize challenging dominant ideologies and promoting social change.
They use qualitative methods to understand social phenomena and address social justice issues.
They argue that social reality is multi-layered, going beyond surface appearances.

Theory

Provides an interpretation of facts and explains how and why particular phenomena occur.
Theories are developed based on reasoning and evidence.
They are used to understand casual relationships between phenomena.
Theories are comprised of logically interconnected propositions.
Propositions are generalised abstractions about social reality, supported by evidence (facts).
Theory can be applied to different contexts and helps to understand complex phenomena in a deeper way.
The scope of a theory is determined by: the level of abstraction of the concepts in the theory; and the spread of the phenomena it covers.
Linking unrelated phenomena and uncovering patterns in social reality is one of the contributions of theory.

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Description

Explore the contrasting research approaches of positivism and interpretivism in this quiz. Understand how these methodologies differ in their views on reality, data collection methods, and the interpretation of social phenomena. Test your knowledge on these fundamental concepts of social research.