EUROCULTURE THEORY AND METHODOLOGY PRESENTATION
APPROACHES & METHODOLOGIES
a pluralist perspective
by Aadya Baoni
Introduction
OVERVIEW
The book explores various research
methodologies in the social sciences.
It examines how knowledge is formed,
different epistemological perspectives,
and research design choices.
A pluralist perspective means multiple
approaches can be valid.
Vocabulary
KEY CONCEPTS
Epistemology: The study of
knowledge, its nature, and how it is
acquired.
Pluralism: The acceptance of multiple
methodologies and traditions in social
research.
Social Sciences
A DECONSTRUCTION OF EPISTEMOLOGY
01 02 03 04
POSITIVIST POST-POSITIVIST INTERPRETIVIST HUMANISTIC
APPROACH APPROACH APPROACH APPROACH
Believes in objective Accepts reality is Suggests social reality is Reality is entirely
reality that can be studied objective but argues our shaped by human subjective, and science
systematically. knowledge is imperfect perception rather than should focus on human
and shaped by objective facts. experience and meaning.
Uses scientific methods perspective.
like hypothesis testing Focuses on understanding Uses empathetic
and causal analysis Uses probabilistic models social context and understanding rather than
rather than absolute meanings rather than empirical validation.
truths. causation.
THEORIES OF
ACTION
Why people do what
they do?
Theories
UNDERSTANDING
HUMAN MOTIVATION
AND BEHAVIOR
01 03
Individualist Perspective: Role of Institutions: Setting incentives and
Self-interest and maximizing benefits also known providing socialization mechanisms.
as rational choice theory.
02 Normative Perspective: Learned norms and
socialization 04 Importance of Ideas: How perceptions of interests
are conditioned by ideas.
VARIABLE VS. CASE-DRIVEN
Variable-driven research focuses on quantifiable factors, while
case-driven research emphasizes in-depth analysis of specific
instances, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of social
phenomena.
Variable-Driven Research: Isolating variables and examining
their effects across cases (parsimonious explanations,
generalization).
Case-Driven Research: Holistic methods, focusing on
Overarching Theme context and complexity (in-depth understanding).
RESEARCH Both approaches are products of prior conceptualization and
TRADITIONS
theorization
Social Sciences
PARADIGMS
01 02 03
KUHN’S MULTIPLE
QUALITATIVE VS. APPROACHES
PARADIGMS
QUANTITATIVE
This divide reflects differing Thomas Kuhn's concept of Acknowledging various
approaches to research. paradigms refers to the paradigms is essential for a
frameworks within which comprehensive understanding
Qualitative scholars often focus on scientific research operates. In of social phenomena, as
subjective experiences, while social sciences, recognizing these different approaches can yield
quantitative methods emphasize paradigms helps understand the different insights
statistical analysis and underlying assumptions that guide
generalizability. research.
METHODOLOGICAL
FLEXIBILITY
Being open to various methodologies enhances the research
process, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of
social issues.
SYNTHESIS &
TRIANGULATION
Social Sciences
Combining different approaches can lead to richer insights and
a more robust understanding of social phenomena.
WAYS TO RESEARCH GOALS
KNOWLEDGE The choice of methodology should align with the research
goals, whether exploring normative issues, understanding social
dynamics, or conducting causal analysis.
CONCLUSION
COMPLEXITY OF
SOCIAL SCIENCES
The diversity of methodologies in social sciences reflects the
complexity of social phenomena. Recognizing and respecting
different approaches is essential for effective research
INTERPLAY OF
PERSPECTIVES
Balancing various epistemological and methodological perspectives is
crucial for a holistic understanding of social issues, enabling
researchers to address the multifaceted nature of human behavior and
society.
Della Porta, D., & Keating,
M. (Eds.). (2008).
Approaches and
Methodologies in the Social
Sciences: A Pluralist
Perspective. Cambridge
University Press.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION
