Exploring interpretive methods in political science: PRX Special Collection

As interest in interpretive research methods within political science gains momentum, our Gold Open Access journal PRX presents a Special Collection aimed at exploring the significance and applicability of these methods, identifying forthcoming challenges, and paving the way to a shared research agenda. 

A shifting landscape

In the last two decades, political science has experienced a growing interest in interpretative theories, methodologies and research techniques that draw on research traditions in fields such as anthropology and sociology, and specific subdisciplines such as rhetorical studies, conceptual and intellectual history, practice theory, or discourse analysis.

The application of these approaches in the wider community of political science, however, has differed across the cultures of the respective subdisciplines, and there is a notable silence in the methodological exchange between scholars that draw on and operationalise similar methodological strategies and vocabularies.

Uniting perspectives

Against this backdrop, our Open Access journal Political Research Exchange (PRX) has launched a Special Collection on Interpretive Research Methods. Curated by Claudia Wiesner and Kristin Anabel Eggeling, the collection brings together researchers from different political science subdisciplines that concentrate on the interpretative study of concepts, practices and actions. It aims to help establish a landscape of these approaches and their usage, highlight upcoming challenges, and build a future research agenda.

Expanding reach

There is also a pragmatic consideration behind the collection. Its Editors propose that by starting to speak to each other, scholars can avoid re-inventing the methodological wheel and begin to produce research, arguments and analytical vocabularies that speak to members of the political science community beyond those we consistently engage with.

Do you use interpretive approaches in your research?

Get a solid foundation in a range of interpretive research methods with our forthcoming Methods School training programme, running from 5 – 9 February 2024. 

Delivering a rich selection of introductory and advanced courses taught by leading methodologists, this is a skill development opportunity you don't want to miss!

More interpretive courses:

• Critical Discourse Analysis
• Applications of Focus Groups
• Comparative Historical Analysis (CHA)
• Making Sense of Political Narratives

► Browse the full course list

Keywords: Political Methodology, Methods, Qualitative