Constructivist and post-modernist refer to what aspect of qualitative methods?

The terms constructivist and post-modernist relate to theoretical frameworks within qualitative methods. Both of these perspectives emphasize the subjective nature of knowledge and reality, suggesting that understanding is constructed through social processes and interactions rather than being an objective truth that can be uniformly measured.

Constructivism, for instance, posits that individuals construct meaning based on their experiences and social contexts. This viewpoint influences qualitative research by underlining the importance of participants' perspectives and the context in which they reside, thereby shaping how researchers approach their inquiries and interpret their findings.

Post-modernism further critiques the existence of a singular, unfolding narrative or truth, arguing for the recognition of multiple truths and interpretations shaped by discourse and power dynamics. This influences qualitative research methodologies by encouraging pluralism and the examination of how narratives are constructed within social and cultural frameworks.

The emphasis on these theoretical frameworks guides researchers in deciding how to formulate their research questions, design studies, interpret data, and present their findings, highlighting the nuances of human experience that quantitative approaches may overlook.