Interpretivist Vs Positivist Methodology By the end of the lesson… ALL of you will have on understanding of the key features of positivist, interpretivist and feminist approaches to methodology. MOST of you will be able to think critically about each of these approaches and identify strengths and weaknesses. SOME of you will critically consider all impacts on a sociologists choice of method.

What can you remember from Year 12? POSITIVIST INTERPRETIVIST Primary data collection Secondary data collection

Can you remember the correct spelling of some of the key methodological terms you learnt in Y12? Spelling Test!

Spelling test answers Reliable Representativeness Validity Quantitative Qualitative Interpretivist Positivist Verstehen Questionnaire Replicability

Focus on vocabulary Three tiers of vocabulary: Tier 1 - vocabulary that is used commonly at home and does not need to be taught. Tier 2 - vocabulary that is frequently used in academic written texts across different disciplines Tier 3 – subject specific vocabulary

Positivism – Tier 3 vocabulary Write a paragraph to summarise the positivist methodological approach. Use at least 6 of the following key terms: Hypothesis Hypothetico-deductive Empirical Quantitative Macro Standardised Reliable Representative More challenging!

Can you improve the Tier 2 vocabulary in your paragraph?

Examples of Tier 2 vocabulary Approach Conduct Approximate Derive Contribute Predict Distribute Coordinate Emerge Correspond Sequence Contrast Adjacent Parallel Retain Alternate React Impose Variable Exclude Concentrate Acquire Proportion Capacity Think about how these words (and their derivatives) could be used in a variety of contexts.

Quick Questions on Positivism Which sociological theories are usually associated with positivism? How do positivists view society? Outline three criticisms interpretivists would level at positivism. What is your view on the positivist approach to sociological research? Why?

Positivist Methodology – key features

Interpretivism - Slow writing activity Write a summary of the interpretivist methodological approach: Your first sentence must be a question. Your second sentence must be 3 words exactly. Your third sentence must begin with ‘Although’. Your fourth sentence must be 22 words exactly. Your final sentence must begin with an adverb (__ly). Additional Challenge – include the following tier 3 vocab: grounded theory, inductive

Quick Questions on Interpretivism Which sociological theories are usually associated with interpretivism? How do interpretivists view society? Outline three criticisms positivists would level at interpretivism. What is your view on the positivist approach to sociological research? Why?

A2 Sociological Methods - Interpretivist Methodology How effective is this approach? Application - sociologists Key concepts (Tier 3 Vocabulary)

Feminist methodology

Positivism: male bias and malestream methods Feminist researchers have been critical of quantitative research for several reasons: It ignored and excluded women and issues of concern to women. Mies (1983) argues much positivist research has a masculine bias, and produces a male view of social life. For example, ‘work’ tends to focus on paid employment and ignores unpaid work in the home.

2. It simply treated women as appendages or insignificant extensions of men. For example, Stanley and Wise (1993) suggest the findings from research on men are generalised to women.

3. It uses ‘malestream methods’ to research the experiences of women. Westmarland (2001) cites the conduct of positivist structured interviews as an example of a malestream method. These are conducted with distance and detachment and researchers do not reveal their feelings or views. Oakley (1981) considers such methods as based on power relationships which she sees as a key feature of malestream sociology. She argues that such approaches contradict the aims of feminist research, which are concerned with encouraging women to share their experiences.

Feminists regard many positivist approaches as like smash-and-grab raids, where researchers burst upon the scene, grab the information they want from their victims, offer nothing in exchange, and then move onto their next victim!

Feminism and interpretivism Feminists have generally been more sympathetic to the use of interpretivist methods.

Feminism and interpretivism Feminists emphasise: Verstehen Open-ended, informal methods associated with interpretivists Valid, in-depth accounts of women’s lives How does Oakley’s study into motherhood illustrate this approach?

The feminist perspective and value commitment Not all feminists regard positivist research methods as inappropriate…. How does Westmarland (2001) suggest that positivist approaches may be useful? What does Kelly (1992) suggest is more important than the method used in feminist research?

Task: Write an evaluative paragraph about the feminist approach to research.

Make your point – clearly link it to the area you are writing about. ‘Feminists have a distinct approach to sociological research’ Explain your point and provide evidence to support it. ‘For example…..’ ‘This view is supported by…’ Evaluate – point out a strength of your argument and any weaknesses. ‘A clear strength of this methodological approach is’ ‘However, a major criticism of this approach is…’ Link back. ‘Overall, the evidence suggests that…’

Is theory all that affects a researcher’s choice of method?

Is theory all that affects methods? And what about triangulation and methodological pluralism?

Discussion questions Outline two ways in which sources of funding might influence research. Outline two ways in which personal characteristics and skills of the researcher may influence the research. List three practical issues that may affect a researchers choice of topic. Outline three ethical factors that might influence a researcher’s choice of research method.

*NEW* Tier 3 vocabulary this lesson Hypothetico-deductive model Inductive approach Grounded theory Malestream method

5 - 1 Summary Write 5 lines about what you have learnt in the lesson today. BUT your first line has to have 5 words, the second 4 words, then 3, then 2, then 1.

Exemplar Exam Questions Outline and explain two advantages of using quantitative data in sociological research. (10 marks) Outline and explain two reasons why positivist research may not provide a valid understanding of society. (10 marks)