Social science archetypes
The Empiricist
“I believe in what I can observe and measure. The world is full of patterns waiting to be discovered through careful study and analysis.”
Your style: systematic, data-driven, and focused on measurable outcomes. You value objectivity and rigorous methodologies
Your paradigm: positivism. The core assumption is that knowledge is derived from systematic observation and measurement of objective reality. The social world operates according to universal laws that can be discovered through scientific methods and empirical testing
Your strengths: analytical skills, statistical expertise, ability to identify patterns and trends across large datasets
What's missing: deeper understanding of context, individual experiences, and power dynamics that could influence data
What to consider: incorporating qualitative methods to add depth to your quantitative findings. Reflect on how your own position might influence your research
Other paradigms that could align well: pragmatism could help apply your findings to real-world problems. Relationality could enhance your understanding of how variables interact.
Common methods: experimental designs, large-scale surveys, statistical modelling, randomized controlled trials
Score range: less than or equal to 25
The Meaning-Maker
“Every action and interaction is rich with significance. I seek to understand the deeper meanings people create in their social worlds and how these shape our shared reality."
Your style: empathetic, context-focused, and attuned to diverse perspectives. You value rich, descriptive data.
Your paradigm: interpretivism. Social reality is constructed through human interactions and the meanings people attribute to them. Understanding society requires interpreting the subjective experiences and perspectives of individuals within their cultural contexts.
Your strengths: deep understanding of individual experiences, ability to uncover hidden meanings and cultural nuances.
What's missing: broader patterns and trends that might be visible across larger populations or datasets.
What to add: consider how your interpretations might be applied more broadly. Explore ways to systematize your analysis of qualitative data.
Other paradigms that could work well: critical theory could add depth to your understanding of power dynamics. Relationality could help connect individual experiences to broader social structures.
Common methods: ethnography, in-depth interviews, participant observation, discourse analysis
Score range: greater than 25 and less than or equal to 40
The Problem-Solver
"Theory is only useful if it leads to real-world solutions. I focus on what works in practice to address concrete social issues, always adapting my approach based on tangible results and evolving circumstances."
Your style: action-oriented, focused on practical outcomes. You value research that leads to tangible solutions.
Your paradigm: pragmatism. The value of knowledge lies in its practical consequences and ability to solve real-world problems. Truth is not absolute but evolves based on what proves useful in addressing concrete social issues and improving human life.
Your strengths: ability to bridge theory and practice, skilled at identifying actionable insights from research.
What's missing: may sometimes overlook deeper theoretical implications or long-term structural issues.
What to add: consider how your solutions might interact with broader social systems. Reflect on the philosophical assumptions underlying your practical approaches.
Other paradigms that could work well: positivism could provide rigorous methods for testing the effectiveness of your solutions. Critical theory could help ensure your solutions address root causes of problems.
Common methods: case studies, mixed methods, evaluation research, policy analysis
Score range: greater than 40 and less than or equal to 55
The Co-Creator
“Everything in the universe is interconnected, from the smallest particles to the largest systems. I see the world as a vast web of relationships, where each entity influences and is influenced by the whole, creating a dynamic, co-created and ever-changing reality.”
Your style: systems-oriented, focused on interactions and connections. You value holistic understanding of phenomena.
Your paradigm: relationality. All elements of reality exist in a state of mutual interdependence and co-constitution. Understanding any phenomenon requires examining its relationships and connections within broader systems and contexts.
Your strengths: ability to see complex interconnections, skilled at mapping relationships and feedback loops within systems.
What's missing: may sometimes lose sight of individual experiences or specific causal relationships.
What to add: consider how to translate your complex understandings into actionable insights. Explore methods for effectively communicating system dynamics.
Other paradigms that could work well: interpretivism could add depth to your understanding of how individuals experience systemic relationships. Pragmatism could help apply your systemic insights to specific problems.
Common methods: social network analysis, system dynamics modelling, agent-based modelling, mixed methods approaches
Score range: greater than 55 and less than or equal to 70
The Change Agent
“Society is shaped by power structures that need to be challenged. I'm committed to exposing inequalities and working towards a more just world, where all have the opportunity to thrive."
Your style: advocacy-oriented, focused on power dynamics and social justice. You value research that challenges the status quo.
Your paradigm: critical theory. Society is structured by power relations that create and perpetuate inequality. The goal of social research is to critique these structures, empower marginalised groups, and catalyse social change towards greater justice and equality.
Your strengths: ability to uncover hidden power structures, strong focus on equity and social change.
What's missing: sometimes may overlook individual agency or positive aspects of existing systems.
What to add: consider incorporating more diverse voices, including those who might disagree with your perspective. Explore how change can be measured and evaluated.
Other paradigms that could work well: pragmatism could help translate your critiques into actionable solutions. Interpretivism could deepen your understanding of how individuals experience and resist power structures.
Common methods: action research, critical discourse analysis, participatory methods, historical analysis
Score range: greater than 70