The positivist approach, with reference to scientific method, objectivity, reliability and

value freedom

-There are two main theoretical approaches to research and to understanding the social world;

a) Positivism
b) Interpretivism

Positivism

-The positivist approach is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the use of the scientific
method to study social behaviour using similar methods to those used when studying the
natural world. (Laboratory experiments, observations etc.) In other words, sociology can be
like a science.

- Positivism is associated with the ideas of Auguste Comte and other prominent thinkers such
as Emile Durkheim.

- Some of the key ideas of the Positivists are:

 Social systems (interconnected elements and processes that form a complex and
organized whole within a society or they can be seen as frameworks or structures that
guide and regulate social interactions, roles, and functions within a given society) are
made up of structures that exist independently of individuals.
 Institutions (e.g. family, education, government etc.) represent behaviour at the macro
(very large group) level of society.
 As individuals we experience social structure as
 forces bearing down on us, pushing us to behave in certain ways and shaping our
behavioural choices. (Social structures refer to the patterns of relationships,
institutions, and organizations that shape and regulate social interactions within a
society.) Social structures are seen as real, objective forces, people cannot stop these
forces from acting on them.

-The scientific method is a fundamental component of the positivist approach. It involves a

systematic and empirical approach (gathers observable data and sets out a repeatable
process to produce verifiable results) to acquiring knowledge about the world.

-Social structures are unseen forces whose effect can be observed by positivists using the
similar techniques like those of the natural sciences:

Systematic observation

Accurate testing

Quantitative measurements that create reliable knowledge

-They prefer quantitative methods because they allow for the collection of objective and
reliable data.
Reliability.

-It pertains to the consistency and repeatability of research findings.

-Positivists value reliability because they see it as essential that others can replicate the
research.

-In positivist research, reliability is often achieved through standardized procedures and
measurement techniques.

-Questionnaires, structured interviews, experiments or comparative and observational studies

offer higher levels of reliability than qualitative methods.

Objectivity:

-They also allow the researcher to maintain a high level of personal objectivity by ‘standing
apart’ from the behaviour being researched.

-It emphasises that the idea that researchers should strive to eliminate personal biases and
preconceived notions when conducting scientific investigations.

-Objectivity implies that researchers should approach their studies with an open mind and
aim to gather and analyse data in an unbiased manner.

Value freedom

-Also known as value neutrality or axiological neutrality.

-It asserts that researchers should strive to separate their personal values, beliefs, and
ideologies (e.g. personal, political or religious values) from their scientific investigations.

-Value freedom implies that researchers should not let their subjective views influence the
design, conduct, or interpretation of their studies.

-Instead, they should aim to maintain an objective and impartial stance, focusing solely on
empirical evidence and logical reasoning.

Critics

-Some argue that complete objectivity and value freedom are unattainable ideals, as
researchers are inevitably influenced by their social, cultural, and personal contexts.

-Others contend that the positivist approach tends to overlook the subjective experiences and
meanings that individuals attribute to their actions and behaviours
Interpretivism

-Interpretivism is a philosophical approach to social science research that emphasizes the

importance of understanding and interpreting the subjective experiences, meanings, and
social contexts of individuals and groups.

-It stands in contrast to positivism, which seeks to uncover universal laws and objective
knowledge through empirical observation and measurement.

-For interpretivists, the difference between society and physical nature is that social reality is
formed through the interaction of people who have consciousness. This awareness of
ourselves and our relationship to others gives us the ability to act.

-People are able to exercise free will over the choices they make about how to behave in
different situations rather than simply react to outside (structural) stimulation. In this way,
people are unpredictable; they do not always react in the same way. Therefore behaviour
cannot be studied and explained in the way natural scientist study and explain the non-human
world, and that the Posivist approach is not appropriate for sociology.

-One key concept within interpretivism is "verstehen," a German term that means
"understanding" or "comprehension." (Max Weber)

-Verstehen involves gaining insight into the meaning and motivations behind human actions
and behaviours by placing oneself in the shoes of the social actors and interpreting their
experiences from their perspective.

-It requires empathy and an appreciation for the social and cultural context in which
individuals and groups operate.

-The aim of interpretivist research is to help respondents ‘tell their story’ and, and by so
doing, understand and explain their behavioural choices.

-This is achieved through participant observation, where the researcher is part of the group,
whether covertly or overtly.

-Meaning and interpretation: The primary aim is to describe social behaviour in terms of
the meanings and interpretations of those involved.

-Interpretivists argue that meaning i

s not inherent in social phenomena but is constructed and assigned by individuals and groups.

-They focus on understanding how individuals create and ascribe meaning to their social
world, including their beliefs, values, symbols, and practices.

-The interpretation of meaning requires an in-depth examination of the social and cultural
factors that shape individuals' understandings and perspectives. (qualitative research-
participant observation).
Subjectivity:

-Interpretivists recognize that individuals' experiences, beliefs, and interpretations are

subjective and vary across different social contexts and cultures.

-They argue that social reality is not an objective, external entity but is socially constructed
through subjective interpretations and interactions.

-Interpretivists aim to capture and analyse these subjective perspectives to gain a deeper
understanding of social phenomena and thus, participant observation is chosen as a method of
gathering data.

Validity:

-While positivist research often emphasizes the reliability and generalisability of findings,
interpretivists prioritize the validity of their interpretations.

-They seek to present a rich and nuanced understanding of the social world by ensuring that
their interpretations accurately reflect the meanings and experiences of the individuals
studied.

-Validity in interpretive research is often established through methods such as triangulation,

member checking, and thick description, which involve multiple perspectives like, participant
feedback, and detailed contextual information.

Contextual understanding:

-Interpretivism recognizes the significance of the social and cultural context in shaping
individuals' actions and behaviours.

-Researchers employing this approach delve into the historical, cultural, and situational
factors that influence human experiences and interactions.

-By understanding the context, interpretivists aim to unravel the meanings embedded in
social phenomena.

Qualitative research methods:

Interpretivism often relies on qualitative research methods, such as interviews, observations,

and textual analysis, to gather rich and detailed data.

-These methods allow researchers to capture the subjective experiences, perspectives, and
meanings of individuals.

-Through open-ended questions and in-depth exploration, interpretivists aim to uncover the
complexities and nuances of human behaviour.

-Overally, interpretivism, focus on verstehen, meaning, subjectivity, and validity, offers a

valuable approach for understanding complex social phenomena by emphasizing the
importance of human agency, context, and subjective interpretations.