Interpretive Research Methods

Interpretive research methods are methods or ways of collecting and analyzing data that examine culture in context, with the goal of understanding the behaviors and values of people from that cultural context. These methods reflect a set of underlying assumptions about the nature and purpose of research. First, the interpretive perspective views research as inherently subjective as it involves human researchers. Instead of trying to be artificially objective, interpretive researchers see themselves as inextricably involved, but they reflect on the role that their own identities may play, encouraging or inhibiting the research participants. Second, interpretive researchers believe that research should focus on understanding the cultural dynamics they study, rather than working to change those dynamics. While some research approaches investigate a perceived problem with the ...