Sensitizing Concepts

Conceptual Overview and Discussion

In the early 1950s, American sociologist Herbert Blumer introduced the term sensitizing concept to distinguish it from a definitive concept. In a definitive concept a researcher describes precisely a class of objects in terms of the objects' fixed characteristics. Sensitizing concepts do not have such a specification and precise reference. Blumer himself stated in 1954 that definitive concepts provide prescriptions of what to see but that sensitizing concepts merely suggest directions along which to look.

The use of sensitizing concepts is particularly suitable for carrying out an inductive case study research project, in which the researcher chooses a research design based on the grounded theory approach. With only a minimum of prior scientific knowledge, the researcher develops the meaning of a sensitizing concept by embarking on an open, and rather unstructured, empirical and theoretical quest. The researcher formulates sensitizing concepts as points of departure and deepens the knowledge of the dimensions and aspects of these concepts during the course of research. This step-by-step approach often results in a conceptual model. From this point of view, a sensitizing concept forms the beginning of a new theory.

An inductive case study project that is carried out with the help of sensitizing concepts requires (a) a hermeneutical, or verstehende attitude from the researcher, (b) a continuous process of comparing empirical data and theoretical concepts, and (c) a careful and consistent use of the procedures and techniques of data collection and data analysis. The following paragraphs elaborate further on each of these requirements.

In an inductive case study the researcher embarks on a journey, like an explorer would do. This search not only brings the researcher to well-known regions but also leads to unknown areas where the researcher has trouble finding his or her way. The researcher must be open to all the impressions received while studying data and literature. An open mind—also called theoretical sensitivity—refers to a willingness to learn, to look at data from different angles, and to accept the natural complexity and the changeability of the research subjects. In social sciences, this is known as a hermeneutical or verstehende attitude, which is a legitimate scientific attitude, provided the scientific criteria of reliability and validity are met. An inquisitive attitude implies that the researcher must maintain a critical and skeptical attitude toward the development of his or her theory. It is essential that, in future research, the developed concepts are tested to determine their empirical validity, and if they cannot stand the test then these concepts should be set aside to make room for other sensitizing concepts.

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