This document compares and contrasts positivist and interpretivist perspectives in social research. It discusses the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods from both perspectives. A positivist perspective uses methods like surveys and statistics to identify and measure social structures. An interpretivist perspective focuses more on understanding human behavior and experiences through methods like interviews. The document provides an example of Emile Durkheim's positivist study of suicide rates. It also notes criticisms of the positivist approach for failing to consider important human and social factors.

1. Positivism vs Interpretivism Essay
Compare and contrast positivist and interpretive perspectives underpinning social research–
This essay intends to investigate by comparing and contrasting positivist and interpretive
perspectives that surround social research. It will look into the use of methods such as quantitative
and qualitative research and the effects and outcomes that this has in relation to social research. This
will include the variations amongst them in both a positive and negative light.
Before research can be undertaken the researcher must investigate the various methodologies,
methods, theoretical perspectives and philosophical bases which surrounds the research. This will
then enable researchers to use a wide variety of research methods in order to enhance...show more
content...
'The individual is relegated to being nothing more than a system outcome, not a thinking and acting
human' (Bryman, 2008)
A researcher looking into the use of positivist methodology would look into the use of methods such
as: survey's, questionnaires and statistic models. They aim to identify and measure social structures;
this type of research can be seen by looking into the study of Durkheim's study of suicide with which
Durkheim was referred to as a positivist. He believed that sociological theories must invest beneath
the surface of phenomena and find out the hidden underlying causes behind behaviour. He claimed
that sociology and its findings should be more than that of a speculation and that it should support
its claims with evidence and statistics, Including important factors which can impact on the data
which has been found. This includes taking into account hidden factors such as; economic
depression, family mortality, and the slave trade all of which have impacted in this study on the
rate of suicide. (Alcock, Margaret, Rowlingson, 2008) These methods have however been heavily
criticised as being a flawed area for social research as they are seen to exclude significant issues in
which it fails to address. (Beckett, 2006) This includes the failure of taking into account essential
characteristics of human behaviour and social life which is unable to
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2. Interpretive Essay
Is Liberate Art A Way of Life?
In many instances, individuals neglect to acknowledge the importance of school and a higher
education. The individuals who view education as their number one priority see staying in school is
important. Why is it important? Is staying in school going to benefit the student/individual? In this
essay, I will explain why the literate arts are important and for what they are good. I will also give
the opinions of others and what my views are. Richard Miller, the writer of " The Dark Night of
The Soul" writes, " I have these doubts, you see, doubts silently shared by many who spend their
days teaching others the liberate arts. Aside from gathering and analyzing information, aside from
generating critiques and...show more content...
As I read, "The Dark Night of the Soul" by Richard E. Miller, I found it to be an interesting read.
He inquires, why we read, why we write and what might literate arts be said to be good for? In his
essay he describes the school massacres that have occurred throughout the years. As he describes
these events, he asks a deeper question, "What is the point of continuing to read, write and learn in
the face of such underlying dangers. I think that with all that is happening, individuals/students
should continue with education because reading, television, writing and communication makes a
difference in the lives of individuals around the world. The bottom line is that literary art has a way
of touching students unexpectedly one way or another and students should not just throw the art
away because of society's perception.
Works Cited
Miller E., Richard. "The Dark Night of the Soul".Ways of Reading: An Anthology for
Writers. 9th. David Bartholomae & Anthony Petrosky. Boston: Bedford St. Martin's Press, 2010.
420–442. Print.
"Dead Air." The Ghost Whisperer. CBS. WWJ
–TV, New York City. 8 Jan. 2010.
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3. Self Interpretive Essay
Anne Riley Laid Off: One of the most interesting topics covered in class for me was that of
emotions and moods. I have a hard time understanding when and how to express my emotions.
This has been a real problem for me in all of my relationships, both professional and personal.
Though I have never been laid off I feel I relate to the case of Anne Riley to some degree. Anne was
able to better understand and recognize her emotions and in the long run benefited from that
knowledge. The case begins with Anne Riley meeting with a recruiter from Goldman Sachs' Private
Equity Group. She is hoping that this interview will eventually pay off with a permanent job upon
her graduation. Throughout the case many descriptive words were used so...show more content...
The case describes her determination and hard work. Raised by her mother Anne began earning
her own money at the age of 15. Anne was the first in her family to attend college and graduated
with a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus in finance. She understood from a young age that
work offered a direct payoff; the harder she worked the bigger her reward in the end. Anne, like
me, had goals for her life. She had a direction and path she wanted to follow and knew what she
had to do to get there. She had chosen a career in private equity and knew that a person with these
aspirations spent a few years after college working and moving up within a firm before attending
school. Anne was offered a position with Storrow after a rough interview process. Anne soon
relocated to a new city leaving her family, friends, and life behind her in New York. Being
confident in her goals and plans Anne found a nice apartment, furnished it, and began a small
family (adopted a dog). Like Anne, I too relocated to a new city in order to pursue my current job.
I moved quickly leaving behind friends and relationships I had come to cherish. I moved into an
apartment with my small family not knowing the area or anyone near us. I too felt confident in
myself and knew I would be here for a while moving up in my career. I have invested in my
education because I know that if I aspire to provide for my family I will need an education. I also will
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