Problematization
Alvesson, M., & Sandberg, J. (2013). Problematization as a methodology for generating research questions. SAGE Publications Ltd, https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781446270035
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
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
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
Evaluating the assumptions
False, misleading, narrow
Does not add much intellectual value
Practical value of an assumption
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
Considering alternative in relation to its audience
Evaluating the alternative assumption ground
Is it interesting? Accept some, and challenge some
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