Preprint / Version 1

Interpretive reserach in Political Science

##article.authors##

  • Rayza Sarmento Federal University of Para image/svg+xml https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9817-7941
    • Conceptualization
    • Formal Analysis
    • Investigation
    • Methodology
    • Writing – Original Draft Preparation
    • Writing – Review & Editing
  • Filipe Motta Federal University of Minas Gerais image/svg+xml https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7139-0996
    • Conceptualization
    • Formal Analysis
    • Investigation
    • Methodology
    • Writing – Original Draft Preparation
    • Writing – Review & Editing
  • Ricardo Fabrino Mendonça Federal University of Minas Gerais image/svg+xml https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7754-3359
    • Conceptualization
    • Formal Analysis
    • Investigation
    • Methodology
    • Writing – Original Draft Preparation
    • Writing – Review & Editing

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/SciELOPreprints.15840

Keywords:

Methodology, interpretivism, Political Science

Abstract

The article defends the interpretive methodological approach as fundamental to contemporary political science. We point out its constitutive basis in language; we question its direct equivalence with qualitative research; we discuss its abductive logic and its connection with a series of methodological approaches. We argue that, guided by rigor, the interpretive approach is not limited to a final moment or data analysis, but rather refers to a methodological stance that accompanies the execution of all phases of an investigation. Based on examples, we emphasize that the understanding of a range of phenomena can benefit from interpretive approaches, which are able to shed light on aspects that are often overlooked by other perspectives.

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Author Biographies

Rayza Sarmento, Federal University of Para

Professora Adjunta do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Política da UFPA, pesquisadora do Margem – Grupo de Pesquisa em Democracia e Justiça da UFMG e coordenadora do GCODES - Grupo de Pesquisa em Gênero, Comunicação, Democracia e Sociedade, é doutora em Ciência Política (UFMG).

Filipe Motta, Federal University of Minas Gerais

Professor Adjunto do Departamento de Administração Pública da UFLA e pesquisador do Margem – Grupo de Pesquisa em Democracia e Justiça da UFMG, é doutor em Ciência Política (UFMG).

Ricardo Fabrino Mendonça, Federal University of Minas Gerais

Professor Associado do Departamento e do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Política da UFMG e coordenador do Margem – Grupo de Pesquisa em Democracia e Justiça da UFMG, é doutor em Comunicação Social (UFMG).

Posted

04/17/2026

How to Cite

Section

Human Sciences

Plaudit

Data statement

  • The research data is contained in the manuscript