Meaning and Interpretation in Research: Nuance, Objectivity, and the Ethics of Reason

Overview 

This book will explore the dimensions of semantics and hermeneutics in text-based qualitative and quantitative research across multiple disciplines. 

It will provide a rigorous and comprehensive discussion, critique, and defence of research methodologies that seek out truth and objectivity. The book will also examine the primary and secondary data analysis methods researchers use to situate their contributions to knowledge and validate claims of research impact.

Start date to Completion date: 2025 to 2026
 

Current Gap in Research Literature

While there are numerous books on research in the public domain, few focus specifically on the linguistic and phenomenological disciplines of semantics and hermeneutics. These disciplines are essential yet often underrepresented in the mainstream discourse of research methodology.

Philosophical and Theoretical Influences

The book will trace how semantics and hermeneutics have long intersected with postmodern and post-structuralist thought, including the works of Lyotard, Culler, Harland, and Butler. It will also explore reader-response criticism and deconstruction, as seen in the writings of Derrida, Tompkins, Freund, and Greenham.

Subjectivity versus Objectivity

In these philosophical traditions, meaning and interpretation are often viewed as hopelessly subjective, due to the structure of the sign and its supposed disconnection from the object (the signified, the writer, etc.).

By contrast, this book will highlight alternative traditions that support the possibility of truth and objectivity, including:

  • Foundationalism (Kripke)
  • Speech-act theory (Vanhoozer, Searle)
  • Structuralism (Kant, Frege, Saussure, Levi-Strauss)
  • Pragmatism (Rescher)
  • Grounded theory (Glaser & Strauss, Charmaz)

Intended Contribution and Central Argument

The book aims to refocus researchers' attention on how these enduring debates about subjectivity and objectivity directly impact the credibility of their findings, conclusions, and recommendations in text-based research.

This often-overlooked influence on meaning and interpretation needs to be addressed explicitly to strengthen claims of validity and reliability in qualitative and quantitative research.
 

Audience and Relevance Across Disciplines

Although primarily aimed at social science and business management researchers, the book will also be of significant value to researchers in:

  • Humanities
  • Education
  • Media and communications

These fields will benefit from the book’s critical engagement with epistemology, language, and interpretation.

Structure and Contributors

The book will include 15–18 chapters contributed by scholars from a range of universities and countries, ensuring international perspectives and disciplinary diversity.

Aims and Outcomes

The book should be essential reading for anyone embarking on significant qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed-methods (text-based) research. 

It is also valuable for those writing substantial methodology chapters or seeking sound, robust, and rigorous justifications for research methodologies and methods, as well as for data analysis and findings.

In addition, it will benefit social science, business, humanities, and other researchers working in multidisciplinary contexts.

Insight Hour and Careers Fair

The Insight Hour

The Insight Hour is a monthly KE activity on the business management course in which academics and/or industry professionals deliver talks with Q&A sessions on themes relevant to business management. 

Students on all levels of the course, and those on other courses, are invited and do attend. 

Careers Fair

An annual Careers Fair for Business Management students.

Funding Streams

Insight Hour and Careers Fair funded within the course budget.

Delivery Team Members