Theoretical perspectives and ethical considerations

Positivism: society can be studied scientifically with quantitative methods. This focuses on reliability and representativeness.
- Ignores subjective meaning.
Interpretivism: society understood through qualitative methods. This focuses on validity.
- Lacks reliability, harder to generalise.
Conflict theory: Marxist and feminist theorists can combine methods to show structural inequality and lived experience.
Practical concerns: time, cost, access, researcher skills, cultural understanding.
Ethical concerns: informed consent, avoid harm, confidentiality, sensitivity.

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