Túlkunarhyggju

Túlkunarhyggju, also known as interpretivism, is a qualitative research methodology. It focuses on understanding the subjective meanings and experiences of individuals within their social and cultural contexts. Unlike positivist approaches that seek objective truths, interpretivism emphasizes that reality is socially constructed and can only be understood through the interpretations of those living it.

Researchers employing túlkunarhyggju aim to explore the complexities of human behavior and social phenomena by immersing themselves in the lived experiences of participants. Methods often include in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and the analysis of texts and artifacts. The goal is not to generalize findings to a larger population but to gain a deep, nuanced understanding of specific cases.

Key tenets of túlkunarhyggju include the belief that research is value-laden and influenced by the researcher's own perspective. Therefore, reflexivity, the process of critically examining one's own biases and assumptions, is crucial. The findings are typically presented in rich, descriptive narratives that capture the essence of the participants' worldviews. Túlkunarhyggju is particularly useful for exploring sensitive topics, understanding diverse cultural practices, and generating hypotheses for further research.