The metamodernist paradigm on STS methodologies

• In Event: Innovations in Methods and Theory

Abstract

Research methodologies had a historical tension between quantitative and qualitative approaches. (Hernandez-Sampieri et al., 2010) Both were developed under particular conditions, recognizing quantitative evolution on the modernist paradigm of early XX century and qualitative methodologies in the 60s and 70s postmodernism boom. Both stories constitute part of the research design history and transformation. But, current digital technologies allow new intersections among data that are expanding research practices, disciplines, and knowledge at an accelerating rate. The methodology is a polysemic problem for STS as a field, and this paper looks at cultural tradition and research design history to understand as STS reinforce metamodern practices among academic work.
The inclusion of transformative and mixed approaches become popular strategies to address research, especially on interdisciplinary scholars. These works develop the argument to recognizing the metamodernist stance (Turner, 2011) as the base of mixed approach and as a consequence. How could this perspective on research explain the cultural approach embed on classical STS works? (especially such as described by Law in 4th Handbook). The conclusion addresses an explanation of our field methods and its cultural influence, to contextualize on philosophical, historical and technical ways how STS research is a very explicit metamodernist expression on academia.

Author

• Martin Andrés Perez Comisso, SFIS - Arizona State University