Interpretivist vs. Postpositivism

Attribute	Interpretivist	Postpositivism
Ontology	Multiple subjective realities	Objective reality exists
Epistemology	Focus on understanding meanings and interpretations	Emphasis on empirical evidence and scientific method
Methodology	Qualitative methods, participant observation, interviews	Quantitative methods, experiments, surveys
Role of researcher	Subjective, part of the research process	Objective, separate from the research process
Truth	Subjective and context-dependent	Objective and universal

Introduction

Interpretivism and postpositivism are two contrasting research paradigms that guide social science research. While both paradigms aim to understand the social world, they differ in their ontological and epistemological assumptions, research methods, and the nature of reality they seek to uncover.

Ontological and Epistemological Assumptions

Interpretivism is based on the assumption that reality is subjective and socially constructed. It argues that individuals interpret the world based on their experiences and beliefs, and that these interpretations shape their actions and behaviors. In contrast, postpositivism holds that reality is objective and exists independently of human perception. It asserts that researchers can uncover universal truths through empirical observation and measurement.

Research Methods

Interpretivist research methods are qualitative in nature, focusing on understanding the meanings and interpretations that individuals ascribe to their experiences. These methods include interviews, observations, and textual analysis. Postpositivist research, on the other hand, relies on quantitative methods such as surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis to test hypotheses and establish causal relationships.

Nature of Reality

Interpretivism emphasizes the importance of context and the subjective nature of reality. It argues that reality is socially constructed and can vary across different cultures and contexts. Postpositivism, on the other hand, seeks to uncover objective truths that are independent of individual perspectives. It assumes that there is a single reality that can be discovered through empirical observation and measurement.

Role of the Researcher

In interpretivist research, the researcher is seen as an active participant in the research process. They acknowledge their own biases and subjectivity, and their interpretations play a crucial role in shaping the research findings. In contrast, postpositivist researchers strive for objectivity and aim to minimize their influence on the research process. They seek to remain detached and impartial in order to uncover objective truths.

Validity and Reliability

Interpretivist research prioritizes validity over reliability, as it seeks to understand the subjective meanings and interpretations of individuals. Researchers focus on capturing the richness and complexity of human experiences, even if it means sacrificing generalizability. Postpositivist research, on the other hand, values reliability and aims to produce findings that can be replicated and generalized to a larger population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, interpretivism and postpositivism represent two distinct approaches to social science research. While interpretivism emphasizes the subjective nature of reality and the importance of understanding individual interpretations, postpositivism seeks to uncover objective truths through empirical observation and measurement. Researchers must carefully consider the ontological and epistemological assumptions of each paradigm when designing their research studies in order to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings.