Problematization

Alvesson, M., & Sandberg, J. (2013). Problematization as a methodology for generating research questions. SAGE Publications Ltd, https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781446270035

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Problematization

• Gap-spotting studies reinforce existing theories, incapable of producing high impact.

• Genuine problematization is to challenge the assumption of one's own position and generate alternative assumption from there.

• It requires a dialectical interrogation of home position, other theoretical stances and domain of literature.

• Example: First scrutinize the way theories have emerged historically and on what assumptions and conditions they rest, then question their underlying assumptions and generate new inquiries.

Five Assumptions Type

• In-house : exist within a particular school of thought and shared and accepted as unproblematic.

• Root metaphor: Broader images of a particular subject matter.

• Paradigm : Ontological, epistemological, and methodological assumptions.

• Ideology : Political, moral and gender related assumptions

• Field: Broader set of assumptions about a specific subject matter that are shared by several different school of thoughts.

Methodological Principles for Identifying, Articulating and Challenging Assumptions

1. Identifying a domain of literture

   • More narrow literature coverage and in-depth compare to gap spotting

   • Focus on path-define studies, authoritative summaries or look at more reent influential pieces

2. Identifying and articulating the assumptions underlying this domain

   • In-house: scrutinizing internal debates and the interfaces between a specific group of authors

   • Root metaphor: identifying the basic image or metaphor and detecting or producing alternative possible confrontational metaphors

   • Paradigm assumptions: familiar with alternative views

   • Field: look at discussion across different schools that are disagreeing with each other and what they agree on and don't talk about it

3. Evaluating the assumptions

   • False, misleading, narrow

   • Does not add much intellectual value

   • Practical value of an assumption

4. Developing an alternative assumption ground

   • Call for a borader overview and a broader set of considerations

   • Some techniques: counter-induction, analogy, making a reversal

   • Alternative should point to a new pathway for theoretical exploration or empirical study

5. Considering alternative in relation to its audience

6. Evaluating the alternative assumption ground

   • Is it interesting? Accept some, and challenge some