constructivism -> notes

3 Main assumptions of constructivism

1. social constructs (ontological)

2. individual perceptions and contexts → human agency (epistemological)

3. dynamic and open-ended (methodological)

social constructs

are the ideas and concepts that are created and maintained through social interactions and cultural norms, influencing our understanding of reality.

methods used in constructivism

include qualitative research, case studies, and participatory approaches that emphasize the subjective experiences of individuals.

contextual analysis / interpretation

is a method in constructivism that examines the meanings and significance of social phenomena within specific contexts, highlighting how individuals interpret their experiences.

open-ended interviews

are a qualitative research method used in constructivism that allows participants to express their thoughts and experiences in their own words, fostering deeper understanding.

textual analysis

is a method in constructivism that involves analyzing written, spoken, or visual texts to understand how meaning is constructed and interpreted by individuals within specific contexts.

narrative analysis

is a qualitative research method in constructivism that focuses on the stories individuals tell, examining how they construct meaning and identity through their narratives within specific contexts.

discourse analysis

is a qualitative research method in constructivism that studies language use in communication, examining how discourse shapes social realities and meanings within specific contexts.

process-tracing

is a qualitative research method in constructivism that involves tracking the decision-making process over time to understand how individuals construct meaning and make sense of events within specific contexts.

counterfactual comparison

is a qualitative research method in constructivism that involves comparing actual outcomes with hypothetical alternatives to understand how different factors influence meaning and decision-making within specific contexts.