Interpretivism vs. Realism

Attribute	Interpretivism	Realism
Ontology	Believes in multiple subjective realities	Believes in an objective reality
Epistemology	Focuses on understanding meanings and interpretations	Emphasizes empirical evidence and scientific methods
Methodology	Qualitative methods such as interviews and observations	Quantitative methods such as surveys and experiments
Subjectivity	Embraces subjectivity and individual perspectives	Seeks to minimize subjectivity and bias

Introduction

Interpretivism and Realism are two prominent philosophical approaches that are often used in social science research. While they both aim to understand the world around us, they have distinct differences in their underlying assumptions and methodologies. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Interpretivism and Realism to provide a better understanding of their key differences.

Ontology

Ontology refers to the nature of reality and what exists in the world. Realism posits that there is an objective reality that exists independently of human perception. In contrast, Interpretivism argues that reality is subjective and socially constructed. Interpretivists believe that individuals interpret the world based on their own experiences and beliefs, leading to multiple realities rather than a single objective reality.

Epistemology

Epistemology deals with the nature of knowledge and how we can acquire knowledge about the world. Realism emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and scientific methods in gaining knowledge. Realists believe that there are objective truths that can be discovered through observation and experimentation. On the other hand, Interpretivism values subjective experiences and qualitative research methods such as interviews and observations to understand the meanings and interpretations individuals give to their experiences.

Methodology

Methodology refers to the strategies and techniques used to conduct research. Realism typically employs quantitative research methods to collect and analyze data. Realists aim to uncover universal laws and causal relationships that govern the world. In contrast, Interpretivism favors qualitative research methods that focus on understanding the meanings and interpretations individuals give to their experiences. Interpretivists prioritize in-depth interviews, participant observation, and textual analysis to explore the complexities of human behavior.

Objectivity vs. Subjectivity

One of the key distinctions between Interpretivism and Realism is the emphasis on objectivity versus subjectivity in research. Realism values objectivity and strives to eliminate bias in research by following strict scientific methods. Realists believe that researchers should remain detached from the subjects of study to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings. On the other hand, Interpretivism acknowledges the subjective nature of research and embraces the researcher's subjectivity as a valuable tool in understanding human behavior. Interpretivists argue that researchers' interpretations and biases can provide valuable insights into the complexities of social phenomena.

Generalizability

Realism aims for generalizability in research, seeking to uncover universal laws and principles that apply across different contexts. Realists believe that findings from one study can be applied to other similar situations, leading to broader theoretical implications. In contrast, Interpretivism prioritizes context-specific understanding and does not aim for generalizability. Interpretivists argue that each social context is unique, and findings from one study may not be applicable to other settings. Interpretivists emphasize the importance of rich, detailed descriptions of specific cases to capture the complexities of social phenomena.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Interpretivism and Realism are two distinct philosophical approaches that offer different perspectives on how we can understand the world. While Realism emphasizes objectivity, empirical evidence, and generalizability, Interpretivism values subjectivity, qualitative research methods, and context-specific understanding. Researchers must carefully consider the underlying assumptions and methodologies of each approach when conducting social science research to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings.