Essence of Interpretive Framework
Interpretation of results is a fundamentally vital part of a research study since it provides a basis for researchers to make conclusions (Schram, 2006). Consequently, they must choose a framework which allows them to interpret the results in a reliable, informative and valid manner (Trochim & Donnelly, 2008). Otherwise, if they choose a framework that interprets the results on the basis of personal experiences and culture, the interpretation becomes biased as well as unreliable (Shank, 2006). They must, therefore, ensure that the interpretive framework focus on understanding the results rather than making personal views and opinions. In regard to the envisioned research, which will focus on the plight of Malaysian migrant workers, it will use various frameworks which ensure a broad interpretation of the results.
Multidimensional Interpretive Framework
First, it will involve multidimensional interpretive framework which analyses the data in multiple perspectives (Smith, 2010). In this case, the researcher divides data into various sets according to the number of population segments (Smith, 2010). In regard to the envisioned research, the framework allows categorization of data into three sets which include data from religious leaders, NGO officials and Government officials.
These divisions allow unique treatment for each data set because each group has different sets of opinions. For example, church leaders might take on an activist perspective against the government while the government officials might defend it against any allegations relating to harassment of migrant workers. As a result, the framework divides the data sets to allow separate interpretation and harmonize the analysis to give an integrated conclusion. If researchers integrate the data sets and conduct a single interpretation, they might omit important information since the groups take different position in the society. This implies that the public cannot rely on the findings of that research since it does not consider the different perspectives of the respondents.
Objective Framework
Smith (2010) he argues that another interpretive framework which could allow reasonable interpretation is an objective interpretive framework. He contends that the framework allows researchers to interpret qualitative data by focusing on the objective of the study rather than their subjective ideologies (Smith, 2010). This implies that they should not interpret the result according to their feelings, culture and believes. Instead, they should seek to understand the issues that the respondents have raised to a fairly high degree of understanding clarity (Smith, 2010). For example, a female researcher should not conclude that the government officials are inhuman because they treat her fellow women harshly.
That conclusion means that she has made that conclusion because she is concerned about her fellow. Instead, she should seek to understand why the government denies the migrant worker some privileges while the native citizens enjoy those opportunities. In respect to objective interpretive framework, she could obtain various reasons before making the final conclusion about the oppression of migrant workers (Smith, 2010).
Nonetheless, some researchers have criticized this framework arguing that people cannot practice it in the real world (Smith, 2010). Further, they contend that human interpretation cannot become free from personal experiences, culture and believes. However, when applying objectivity, theorists recommend that researchers should embrace commitment to objectivity (Smith, 2010). This implies that although they might not attain complete objectivity, they could attain substantial level of objectivism. As a result, the substantial objectivism allows considerable reliability of the results.
Contextualization Framework
Lastly, this research will involve contextualization when interpreting data. Contextualization is a framework in which the researchers analyses the relationship between the data that they have obtained and the broad context (Smith, 2010). While considering the envisioned research, a researcher must create the relationship between the opinions that are given by the respondents and the entire migration autonomy. For example, if they realize that 10 percent are against oppression of migrant women, they should contextualize that data and conclude that the oppression does not have moral support.
References
Schram, T. (2006). Conceptualizing and proposing qualitative research. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hal.
Shank, G. (2006). Qualitative research: A personal skills approach. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
Smith, M. (2010). Research methods in sport. Exeter, U.K.: Learning Matters Ltd.
Trochim, W., & Donnelly, J. (2008). The research methods knowledge base. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning.