Chapter 3
The Interpretive Approach to Theory
Chapter Summary
This chapter defines the interpretive paradigm, traces its development, presents its main tenets,
and answers metatheoretical questions from an interpretive viewpoint.
Interpretive Paradigm Defined
Interpretive research examines individual perceptions of reality. Contrary to the social scientific
paradigm, which seeks to predict human behaviors, the interpretive paradigm focuses on
describing individual meanings and social constructions of reality.
Rationalism is an important aspect of interpretive research. It is the idea that researchers can
learn and describe any phenomenon or aspect of life through logical means. Subjectivity is
another significant tenet of the interpretive approach as it is regarded as inseparable from the
research process.
Development of the Interpretive Paradigm
The interpretive paradigm developed in the 1800s–1900s as a response to the growth of social
scientific inquiry. Interpretive approach was used to investigate human behaviors in relation to
larger cultural and social processes. Different research fields such as hermeneutic,
phenomenology, and symbolic interactionism appeared within the interpretive paradigm.
Hermeneutics focuses on textual interpretation. It builds on three main aspects: (1) all
interpretations are subjective, (2) a variety of things or objects can be considered a text for
analysis, and (3) subjectivity also appears in the relationship between the observer and what s/he
is observing.
Understanding Communication Theory, by Stephen Croucher
© Taylor & Francis 2015
Phenomenology explores the meanings things have for us in life. It pays particular attention to
meanings associated with activities and experiences that are often taken for granted (e.g.
speaking a language, eating a meal).
Symbolic interactionism emphasizes the role played by social interactions in shaping the way
individuals see themselves, others, and the world. Symbolic interactionism is informed by three
main aspects: (1) people act toward others according to the meanings given to those people, (2)
language is the means through which people communicate via symbols, and (3) it is through
thought, mental conversation, that people interpret communication.
Significance of Rationalism and Subjectivity
Rationalism views reason as the primary source of knowledge. Three main aspects are relevant
to understand that premise. First, there are some things we know to be true (even if they are not)
and other things we must deduce without necessarily relying on evidence. This is the main
difference from the social scientific paradigm, which only examines that which can be proven
based on hard evidence. Second, we can gain knowledge independent of experience (for instance
through formal and/or informal teaching). Third, reason and experience are understood to be
more important than empirical evidence in developing our knowledge.
Interpretive researchers argue that the social world is relativistic. That is, our knowledge and
experiences are inherently subjective. Interpretive researchers therefore examine (and generate)
knowledge that is situated, individual, and emergent.
Understanding Communication Theory, by Stephen Croucher
© Taylor & Francis 2015
Metatheoretical Questions Associated with the Interpretive Paradigm
This part answers questions related to axioloy, epistemology, and ontology. Speech codes theory
is used to give a practical example to these metatheoretical answers.
What is the purpose of research? The overall aim of interpretive research is to understand
social reality, rather than predict or explain it.
What is reality? From an interpretive viewpoint, reality is socially constructed, based on
individual interpretations, and subjective.
What is human nature? Human nature is embedded in reality and therefore tied to social
constructions. Interpretive studies focus on observing human behaviors, and interpreting actions
and experiences.
Do humans have free will? Interpretivists subscribe to free will or voluntarism. They believe
people are able to make conscious choices based on reason and can examine decision-making
processes to understand how people feel, think and/or behave.
What is theory? There is no one definition as to what an interpretive theory is. However,
interpretive theories (1) embrace subjectivity and rationalism, (2) accept free will, and (3) do not
intend to generalize. Interpretive theories can have statements or propositions but are unlikely to
have boundary conditions, axioms, postulates and/or theorems like social scientific theories have.
How do interpretivists determine good or bad claims? Interpretive research should provide
in-depth description of phenomena and coherent interpretation of experience. Providing what
Geertz (1973) called “thick description” is a main goal.
What is the role of values in research? Values and morals are embraced as part of research and
correspond to the importance given to subjectivity and rationalism.
Understanding Communication Theory, by Stephen Croucher
© Taylor & Francis 2015