How does interpretative sociology differ from positivist sociology in understanding social behavior?

Interpretative sociology and positivist sociology are two different approaches to understanding social behavior. Interpretative sociology focuses on understanding the meanings and experiences that individuals attach to their actions and interactions. It believes that social behavior is influenced by personal feelings, beliefs, and cultural contexts, so researchers often conduct interviews or observations to gather deep insights. For example, if a researcher studies why people gather in a community center, they might talk to individuals about their personal reasons for attending, such as a sense of belonging or support. In contrast, positivist sociology looks for patterns and uses statistical methods to analyze social behavior, treating it more like a science where data can be measured and quantified.