The APSA Interpretive Methodologies and Methods related group provides a forum for the discussion of methodologies and methods related to empirical interpretive research, as well as issues arising from their location within contemporary political science.

Master Events Calendar
Samantha Majic Researches/Interprets Online Platforms
Jan 30
Samantha Majic Researches/Interprets Online Platforms

Interpretivists do Interpretive Methods Series

Samantha Majic (John Jay College and the CUNY Graduate Center) will discuss her trials and tribulations doing research on the internet, as well as her ongoing work on fitness influencers.

The talk is open to the public, but registration is required. Please register by clicking here.

Rich Nielsen Tries to Develop an Ethnographic Sensibility
Feb 13
Rich Nielsen Tries to Develop an Ethnographic Sensibility

Interpretivists do Interpretive Methods Series

Rich Nielsen (MIT) will discuss the ways in which he has sought to cultivate an ethnographic sensibility in his own work and the possibilities of combining interpretivism and positivism, drawing on a recent article published in International Studies Review titled “Religious Fieldwork for International Relations Scholars".

The talk is free and open to the public, but please register here.

Anastasia Shesterinina does Life History Interviewing
Mar 20
Anastasia Shesterinina does Life History Interviewing

Interpretivists do Interpretive Methods Series

Anastasia Shesterinina (The University of York) will discuss the ins and outs of life history interviewing in her work with ordinary people who participated in different ways in the Georgian-Abkhaz war of 1992-1993, former mid-level commanders of the FARC-EP in Colombia, and the broader Civil War Paths project she leads. 

The talk is free and open to the public, but please register here.

Upcoming Events

Spotlight Scholars Program

The Spotlight Scholars program highlights outstanding early-career scholars whose work showcases or advances interpretive approaches to the study of politics. Our 2025-2026 Spotlight Scholars are Mazie Bernard, Winston Berg, and Tadek Markiewicz. Read more about their work by clicking here.

Featured
Research Digest No. 1

We are delighted to introduce a new resource for scholars using interpretive approaches to study politics: the APSA Interpretive Methodologies and Methods Research Digest, a quarterly round-up of articles drawing on empirical interpretive methods that are published in political science and field-adjacent journals. The Digest serves as a regularly published repository that scholars can review to support their research, teaching, and mentorship, helping to expand connections and collaborations as well as provide current resources for everything from syllabi construction to idea development. Read the first issue here!

Recent Awards

New Books Podcast

A special series featuring interviews with authors and editors of books on the epistemologies and methodologies of interpretive political and social science, alternately with authors of exemplary interpretivist monographs; streaming through the New Books in Political Science channel. Hosted by Nick Cheesman.