Interpretive Interactionism

by Norman K. Denzin

Book Overview

Filling a void in qualitative research methods, this volume presents a methodology for studying individuals problems and how they are connected with both public issues and public response to these problems. The author provides an accessible description of the existential, interpretive research approach, which includes: open-ended and creative interviewing; document analysis; life-history, personal experience and self-story construction; and participant...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803930038
• ISBN13: 9780803930032
• Release Date: February 1989
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Insightful & Analytical

For years I've taught about the importance of context in communication, but no one makes the case for its importance any clearer than Denzin. He uses violence to drive his point home. Violence has no meaning in isolation. In somekind of context, the meaning changes. There is violence in war, violence as revenge, violence committed randomly. Context frames understanding. Isolation keeps it ambiguous.Largely this book is about methodology. It helps scholars interpret data once its been collected. In fact, data collection is filled with meaning-making choices. Denzin goes beyond methodology, however and gives insight into larger issues. He frames his discussion well. There's a lot to mentally digest in this book.