CMST 2RA3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Exact Sequence, Symbolic Interactionism, Grounded Theory
23 Apr 2019
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
In the inductive approach theory is the outcome of research: research starts with gathering/examining data relevant to the phenomena being investigated. In this method data is collected to develop the information required to construct a theory. Epistemogical considerations: epistemogical assumptions: notions of what can be known and how knowledge can be acquired. Positivism: empiricism: only phenomena confirmed by the senses can be accepted as knowledge. Implies that it is possible to collect observations without any reference to pre-existing theories, and develop new theories purely on the basis of those observations. Interpretivists claim that it is the job of the social scientists to gain access to the common-sense thinking" of the people they study and their social world from the point of view of the actors. Interpretivists prefer an empathetic understanding and interpretation of human behaviour. Relationship to social research: ontological assumptions and commitments affect both the way research questions are formulated and the way research is carried out.
