Given Hapunda
166 c) Comparing concepts across cases. d) Integrating concepts from different avenues of inductive inquiry. e) Delimiting the theory (creating/adopting a theoretical approach; ruling out some concepts that seem less important). f) Writing theory and explaining the approach and theory to others. 2. Semiotics (The Science of Signs). In this method, learning the meaning of language, symbols, and behaviour within a social setting is critical. This method focuses on content validity of concepts. “Signs” can be material artifacts or non- material instances (e.g., “body language,” gestures, word usage). Semiotics also focuses on the dramaturgy of everyday life; the presentation of self and meanings to others. It determines how the meaning of signs and symbols is constructed. It assumes that meaning is not inherent in signs and symbols but the meaning comes from relationships with other things (Manning, 1987). 3. Conversation Analysis This analysis gives extremely close scrutiny of the way people converse with one another. It is especially important to studies of ethno-methodology. This kind of analyses makes assumptions of socially structured activities in nature. Emphasises that conversations must be understood contextually and seeks understanding of the structure and meaning of the conversation. 4. Hermeneutics/ Interpretive Analysis In hermeneutics/interpretive analysis, the meaning of text is drawn from people in situation (van Manen, 1994). It emphasises the story of the participants, their use of words in a particular situation. This method provides different layers of interpretation of text. Knowledge is constructed through the meaning of text (from background and current situation). It looks at how the context is used in time and place of writing in order to understand. Fundamental questions for this method include; what was cultural situation? What is the historical context? 5. Narrative Analysis This method of analysis looks at the data from an individual’s perspective (Reisman, 1993). The emphasis here is the story of what a person is sharing about self which frames the perception. The researchers need to compare the ideas about self that are shared. It is important to be aware as a
Made with FlippingBook
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODAyMDc0