Interpretivism in qualitative research

By Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald on June 14, 2025

Interpretivism refers to a collection of assumptions in qualitative data collection and analysis (Matthews & Ross, 2010). Research studies underpinned by interpretivist ideas focuses on interpretations and understandings. It is about exploring a range of attitudes and perceptions across participants.

The researcher aims to adopt an empathic and curious standpoint during the data collection process to develop an understanding of the participants’ experiences from their own perspectives.

Interpretivism can be used alongside social constructivism because:

  1. it emphasises subjective experiences
  2. it views data as specific to the context in which it was collected.

Both social constructivism and interpretivism require data collection methods that are capable of producing data that is rich in depth and detail (e.g. in-depth semi- structured interviews)(Matthews & Ross, 2010).

For other interesting information about psychological research and practice, check out my blog, connect on LinkedIn, and listen to Psych Attack podcast.

Experiences are socially constructed, but by whom? Constructivism vs constructionism
Methods and data are just the beginning: The talk I wish I heard during my HDR program
Writing an abstract submission for an oral presentation at a conference

Notes

This post has been paraphrased from my PhD thesis:

MacDonald, J. B. (2017). A Focus on Exposure: Trauma and the psychological implications for TV news camera operators (Unpublished doctoral thesis). Charles Sturt University. 

The featured image is by Lucas K.

References

Matthews, B., & Ross, L. (2010). Knowledge, Theories, Paradigms and Perspectives. In Research Methods: A practical guide for the social sciences (pp. 16–41). Harlow: Pearson Education.