Critical Analytical Skills Subject (Sayings versus Doings; a useful distinction?)
Please write from a positivist paradigm (2000 words +- 10%)
• Respond to an essay question by formulating a clear and well-supported argument, which is developed progressively throughout the essay
Draw on your own independent literature search, starting off with the recommended and required readings introduced in the subject (see the Reading List) but going well beyond them to base your claims in relevant academic literature
Include examples to illustrate your topic and/or explain your argument. These examples should be from existing, academic social science research (i.e., journal articles and other academic publications, not websites, consultancy reports, etc.)
1) Sayings versus doings: A useful distinction?
An ongoing debate between scholars relying on interviews and scholars favoring observations concerns the dichotomy between what people say versus what people do. Discuss the arguments in this debate and make a case for your own position on this: is this a useful distinction – and why?
It might be helpful to take your starting point in the attached reading by Atkinson & Coffey (2001).
