Which research approach is favored by interpretivists?

Interpretivists favor qualitative interviews as their preferred research approach because this method allows for a deep exploration of participants' subjective experiences, meanings, and interpretations of their social reality. Unlike quantitative methods, which focus on measuring and analyzing numerical data to identify patterns, qualitative interviews prioritize understanding the context and nuances of human behavior. This approach aligns with the interpretivist emphasis on the complexities of social phenomena and the importance of comprehending individuals' perspectives from their own viewpoints.

By engaging in open-ended conversations, researchers can generate rich, descriptive data that reflect the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of the participants. This depth of understanding is crucial for interpretivists, who seek to grasp how individuals construct meaning and navigate their social worlds. Qualitative interviews support the interpretivist goal of capturing the intricacies of social life, making them an ideal fit within this research paradigm.