16 Interpretive Paradigm

The interpretive paradigm is a fundamental epistemological current in the social sciences that focuses on understanding phenomena through the meaning individuals attribute to their experiences. This is where its name “interpretive” comes from. Unlike positivist paradigms, which seek to establish universal laws and generalize from quantifiable data, the interpretive paradigm asserts that reality is socially constructed and that it is essential to capture the complexity of human experiences in their context.

This paradigm acknowledges that multiple realities and perspectives exist and that these are shaped by experiences and contexts. Individuals interpret the world differently, depending on their experiences, sociocultural contexts, and frames of reference. This implies that there is no single objective truth; rather, truth is subjective and influenced by the context in which the individual finds themselves. Understanding phenomena requires situating them in their context. The interpretive paradigm emphasizes the importance of the social, historical, and cultural context in which human actions occur. For instance, the study of educational practices cannot be separated from the socioeconomic and cultural environment of the students and teachers.

The search for meaning is central to the interpretive paradigm. It is concerned with understanding how people construct and negotiate meanings in their daily lives. This translates into an interest in the perceptions, beliefs, and values of individuals. While in the positivist paradigm we speak of impacts, in the interpretive paradigm we talk about perceptions and subjectivities. In education, a researcher could explore how students interpret their experiences in the classroom and how those interpretations affect their learning and motivation.

The interpretive paradigm highlights the importance of social interaction in the construction of knowledge. Interactions between individuals, as well as power relationships and hierarchies, are crucial elements for understanding phenomena. For example, in a classroom, the dynamics of interaction between students and teachers can influence participation and the learning environment. Unlike approaches that seek to establish fixed causal relationships, the interpretive paradigm focuses on the process and how experiences may change over time. Research within this paradigm is interested in life trajectories, personal development, and how an individual’s experiences can transform based on new contexts or circumstances.

This paradigm is applied in various areas, such as case studies that seek to deeply explore the experiences of students or teachers in specific situations. For instance, one might examine how a particular educational program affects the perception and learning experience of a group of students from a rural community. Ethnographic research is also common, as researchers may immerse themselves in an educational environment to observe and interpret the cultural and social dynamics at play. This can include observing daily life in the school, participating in school events, and conducting interviews with members of the educational community. Additionally, narrative research is based on the stories and accounts of individuals to explore their experiences and meanings. For example, life stories of students from diverse backgrounds can be collected to understand how their trajectories have influenced their academic decisions.

The interpretive paradigm offers a rich and nuanced view of human reality, highlighting the importance of understanding context, meaning, and subjective experiences. In education, this approach allows researchers to delve into the complex dynamics that influence learning and teaching, promoting a more holistic and contextualized understanding of educational phenomena. By adopting this paradigm, researchers can contribute to the creation of more inclusive learning environments tailored to the diverse realities of students.

Here is a list of possible research questions in education from the interpretive paradigm:

1. How do students perceive the impact of school culture on their learning process?
2. What meanings do teachers attribute to the dynamics of interaction in the classroom?
3. How do students’ previous experiences influence their motivation and participation in class?
4. What are parents’ perceptions of the role of education in their children’s development?
5. How do students interpret their cultural identity in the educational context?
6. What meanings do inclusive teaching strategies have for teachers in their pedagogical practices?
7. How are relationships among peers constructed in a collaborative learning environment?
8. What is the perception of students regarding the relevance of the curriculum in their daily lives?
9. What learning experiences do students value and why?
10. How do teachers interpret the challenges of education in a context of cultural diversity?