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Interpretation of Data in Psychology: A False Problem, a True Issue



Author(s)

María del Río Carral, Marie Santiago-Delefosse

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DOI:10.17265/2159-5313/2015.01.007

In psychology, the concept of interpretation has been namely associated to the subjectivist paradigm underpinning qualitative approaches, rather than the objectivist paradigm characterising quantitative research. In this article, we challenge this belief by showing how interpretation concerns psychology as a whole. To do this, the authors will first consider some dominant tendencies characterising the psychological field in general, such as the “empiricist illusion” and the “trap of scientism” (Vygotsky 1999). Moreover, they will introduce the cultural perspective in psychology, pertinent to deconstruct several assumptions regarding research within the discipline. Stemming from this approach, “indirect methods” will be presented with regard to their potential to analyse psychological phenomena both qualitatively and scientifically. They will conclude by describing a set of principles that can be implemented when doing qualitative research as to ensure the quality and the adequacy of interpretation.

qualitative research, interpretation, empiricist illusion, indirect methods, critical psychology