Qualitative Research, a focus of BJMCH

Abstract

Since the beginning, our Journal has been publishing scientific articles with not only quantitative but also qualitative approaches. However, by its course of nature, it hás not been characterized by a clear and objective methodology. Thus, they are defined, in a great part, by exclusion. Thatis, these articles do not include numerical data, especially statistical analyses. It is necessary to becautious in not opening na extremely vast field of topics, as, general Psychology -a Scope. In fact, through which the publication of qualitative scientific articles have began in the first decades of the 20 th century, 1 currently, these articles have been reaching the fields of health in general and social studies.Thus, it is necessary for the Journal to clarify to its writers, the general criteria of qualitative research, as characterized by Ludke and André, 2 followed by Strauss and Corbin: 3 1. Qualitative research has a natural environment with its direct source of data and the researcher with his/her own main instrument. (...) 2. The data collected are predominantly described. (...) 3. The concern with the processis much greater than the product (...) 4. The meaning people give to things and to their lives is a focus of special attention given by the researcher. (...) 5. Data analysis tends to follow na inductive process. Researchers are not concerned to look for evidence to prove defined hypotheses before the study begins. Abstractions are formedor consolidated basically by the in spection of the data in a bottom-up process. (p. 11-3).Certainly, amongthe BJMCH missions, the contributions are very explicit "address women and children's health contemplating its multiple biological, socio-cultural and epidemiological determinants (BJMCH, instructions to authors)". Therefore, and taking into account the recommendations of theafore mentioned authors, articles of qualitative nature can be included in our Journal, but making it clear in the instructions to the authors, the technical and editorial requirements for an article of this nature should be presented clearly. In addition to the organization and format of the Journal, the group on quantitative and qualitative articles should be independent and present separately from the qualitative articles session.