1. Methods Favoured by Postmodernists

2. Postmodernism No single methodology favoured by all postmodernists
However all REJECT the positivist notion that the ‘truth’ is obtainable through either inductive or deductive positivism

3. Epistemological Postmodernism
EG Lyotard even reject the idea that some theories can be falsified (central idea of Popper’s deductive positivism).
Lyotard claims that what appears to be or what is claimed to be objective knowledge is just evidence of a master or meta narrative (dominant story)
All knowledge is seen by Lyotard as story telling and all stories or narratives are of equal value

4. Implications for Methods
Epistemological pomos like Lyotard favour methods that allow respondents to ‘tell their stories’ – thus qualitative methodologies or ETHNOGRAPHICAL research – observations etc.
Epistemological pomos however make NO attempt to evaluate narratives because all narratives are equal
Such an approach can therefore be criticised for its relativism

5. Can postmodernism improve existing methodology?
Less extreme e.g.s of postmodernism like Alvesson (2002) suggest a pomo approach can improve existing sociological methodology and therefore improve research
Alvesson emphasises the central importance of language suggesting that a researchers notes may not always be a reflexion of a social reality
This draws on Foucault’s idea of ‘discourses’ – groups of people like sociologists or other social actors develop ways of talking (discourses) about topics and issues which give them power – for instance teachers might talk about learning or pupils in a way that enhances the importance of teachers
Alvesson claims that an understanding of ‘discourses’ can both improve traditional methods and research outcomes

6. Reading
Haralambos pages
White A2 textbooks pages