Postmodernist Lens

¶ … ontological position of postmodernism exhibits scepticism towards knowledge. This paradigmatic view recognizes that the world is constantly changing and subsequently, no one position or perspective of the world should be privileged over any other (Jennings, 2004). While positivism has favored a single mode of knowledge, postmodern perspectives regard different approaches to knowledge as alternative social constructions (Arbib & Hesse, 1986).

Postmodern thinkers are bothered by the implication of modern ontology that since there is one world out there, and observation is not problematic, then there is only one reasonable interpretation of the world. The postmodern philosopher counters that while there may in fact be only one 'true' world out there, "there are many reasonable, but distinct interpretations (or understandings) of that world" (Moore, 2001, pg. 4). Postmodernism rejects the pictorial metaphor of knowledge in favor of a constructivist metaphor (Lyotard, 1984). As such, postmodernism provides new, unconstrained ways to move science forward.

According to Brian McLaren (2000, pg. 162-164), the following five axiological assumptions apply to postmodernism: 1. Postmodernism is skeptical of certainty. 2. Postmodernism is sensitive to context. 3. Postmodernism leans toward the humorous. 4. Postmodernism highly values subjective experience. 5. For postmodernists, togetherness is a rare, precious, and elusive experience The epistemological stance of postmodernism involves researchers in subjectively making 'history'/reality via the deconstruction of texts. In postmodernism, a qualitative methodology is used with a strong focus on the role of inter-subjectivity and reflexivity (Jennings, 2004).

Given the need for my research team to develop and defend the collective post-modernistic position, regarding philosophical assumptions as researchers, the roles of researchers as well as the possible methodologies to study the topic of adolescent depression, some important considerations emerge. Gergen (1991) observes that postmodernism is the concept of rejecting the idea of the self as a processor of true characteristics and accepting a plurality of voices. Fruggeri (1992) suggests that postmodernism involves the deconstruction of what an individual perceives as "true" in an effort to account for multiple realities.

Becvar & Becvar (2000) argue the postmodernism involves a philosophical position suggesting that reality is constructed within belief systems, and that the observer is an integral part in what is observed. As such, in an effort to identify potential methodologies for the study of depression among adolescents, it is important to consider the type of data to be collected; whether such data be qualitative, quantitative or some variation of a mixed methods design.

While a qualitative design might provide some meaningful insight from the research participants, it is liable to research bias. While quantitative research designs might provide the statistical or numerical data relating to adolescent depression, such data might not provide insight into the lived experiences of adolescents. A mixed methods design might be the best as it involves both quantitative and qualitative data.

Whatever my team chooses to do regarding research into adolescent depression, it is important for us all to remember that we are studying people and, in so doing, we should all work together to achieve consensus about this serious social problem. References: Arbib, M.A.,.