Applications of interpretive and constructionist research methods in adolescent research: philosophy, principles and examples
-
Yan-Yan Chen
and
Fei-Fei Bu
Abstract
This paper attempts to give a brief introduction to interpretivism, constructionism and constructivism. Similarities and differences between interpretivism and constructionism in terms of their histories and branches, ontological and epistemological stances, as well as research applications are highlighted. This review shows that whereas interpretivism can be viewed as a relatively mature orientation that contains various traditions, constructionism is a looser trend in adolescent research, and in the narrow sense denotes the “pure” relativist position, which refers to a discursive approach of theory and research. Both positions call for the importance of clearly identifying what type of knowledge and knowledge process the researcher is going to create, and correctly choosing methodology matching with the epistemological stance. Examples of adolescent research adopting interpretivist and constructionist orientations are presented.
©2011 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Publisher's Note
- Publisher’s Note
- Editorial
- Advances in adolescent research in the Chinese culture: reflections and future research directions
- Review Articles
- Elder lifelong learning, intergenerational solidarity and positive youth development: the case of Hong Kong
- A methodological critique of parenting research in Hong Kong
- A conceptual critique of parenting research in Hong Kong
- Poverty and adolescent developmental outcomes: a critical review
- Quantitative and qualitative approaches in the study of poverty and adolescent development: separation or integration?
- Perceptions of older people among Chinese adolescents: conceptual and methodological issues
- Applications of interpretive and constructionist research methods in adolescent research: philosophy, principles and examples
- Original Articles
- Fears about treatment among young drug abusers in Hong Kong
- Getting to hear the voices of the unwed mothers: their decisions to keep their babies for lone motherhood
Articles in the same Issue
- Publisher's Note
- Publisher’s Note
- Editorial
- Advances in adolescent research in the Chinese culture: reflections and future research directions
- Review Articles
- Elder lifelong learning, intergenerational solidarity and positive youth development: the case of Hong Kong
- A methodological critique of parenting research in Hong Kong
- A conceptual critique of parenting research in Hong Kong
- Poverty and adolescent developmental outcomes: a critical review
- Quantitative and qualitative approaches in the study of poverty and adolescent development: separation or integration?
- Perceptions of older people among Chinese adolescents: conceptual and methodological issues
- Applications of interpretive and constructionist research methods in adolescent research: philosophy, principles and examples
- Original Articles
- Fears about treatment among young drug abusers in Hong Kong
- Getting to hear the voices of the unwed mothers: their decisions to keep their babies for lone motherhood
