The document discusses paradigms in social science research. It defines a paradigm as a systematic set of beliefs that shape one's perspective. Paradigms determine the possible questions, research methods, and what is considered valid knowledge. The document outlines characteristics of qualitative and quantitative research methods and the differences between a representative view of communication versus a constitutive view. It provides examples of how paradigms influence the study of topics like self-presentation on Facebook.

1. Paradigms

2.  Review assignment expectations
 PPA
 Class & Wiki participation
 Discussion of paradigms

4.  Systematic set of ideas, beliefs and
assumptions (ideology)
 Norms of what is accepted
 Realm of possible questions, research
methods

5.  How do your beliefs and experiences shape
your perspective?
 How do you know what is “true”?
 What is the nature of human behavior?
 What are your values?

6. 1. What are the characteristics of social science?
2. What are the characteristics of
humanism/interpretivism?
3. Why is understanding differences important? Define
reliability & validity
4. Define qualitative method, inductive analysis,
thematic analysis, observational role
5. Define quantitative methods, correlation, statistical
significance

7.  Representative view of communication
 Tool to share knowledge, truth
 Communication results in predictable patterns

8.  E.g., presentation of self & Facebook
 Narcissism & self-promotion
 Self-esteem & facebook activity
 Sex differences in self-promotion

9.  Constitutive view of communication
 Social, symbolic construction of reality
▪ We act toward things based on the meanings we have for
them.
▪ Our meanings come from social interaction with others.
▪ Meanings are moderated by intrapersonal thought.

10.  Self & Facebook
 Construction of self based on social interaction
▪ “I” and “Me”
▪ Looking glass self

11.  Truth/meaning
 Social construction
 Enabled/constrained by structure, power
 Human behavior
 Free will (or agency), but with limits based on
structure, power relations
 Values & goals
 Emancipation
 Social reform

12.  Self & Facebook
 Self-branding
 Constrained by
▪ financial expectations
▪ capitalist, advertising culture