P/M/189. Explain what is meant by interpretivism. Explain its relationship to qualitative methodology

This paper explores the meaning of interpretivism drawing on Weber's social action theory. It attempts to explain the different branches of interpretivism namely, symbolic interactionism, phenomenology and ethnomethodology. Furthermore, it explores qualitative methodology, examining its elements and characteristics, to explain its relationship to interpretivism. Later the paper explores qualitative research methods to show how they reflect interpretivism using examples from adult education. Finally embarking on a critique of interpretivism and qualitative methodology drawing on the positivistic stance.