positivism vs interpeetivism

What is positivism

• scientific methods

• Objective

• Empirical evidence

• Social facts

What are the key features of positivism

• empiricism

• Objectivity

• Quantitive research

• Scientific approach

What does empiricism mean

Focus on observable measurable data and reject methods like observations

Why do positivists believe the researcher has to be detached

To prevent the researcher being bias in the results

Interpretivism

• qualitative methods

• Subjective

• Social action

What are key features of interpretivism

• subjectivity

• Qualitative research

• Understanding social action

• Verstehen

What does it mean to understand social action

Interpretivists believe sociologists should focus on how people make sense of the world rather than laws patterns

Why do interpretivists believe that building a relationship with the participant makes it more valid

Because if you have a relationship then they may be more likely to share information