Qualitative research and its place in psychological science.

Abstract

In discussing the place of diverse qualitative research within psychological science, we highlight the potential permeability of the quantitative-qualitative boundary and identify different ways of increasing communication between researchers specializing in different methods. Explicating diversity within qualitative research is facilitated, initially, through documenting the range of qualitative data collection and analytic methods available. We then consider the notion of paradigmatic frame and review debates on the current and future positioning of qualitative research within psychological science. In so doing, we argue that the different ways in which the concept of paradigm can be interpreted allows us to challenge the idea that diverse research paradigms are prima facie incommensurate. Further, reviewing the ways in which proponents of qualitative research are seeking to reconfigure the links between paradigms helps us to envisage how communication between research communities can be enhanced. This critical review allows us to systematize possible configurations for research practice in psychology on a continuum of paradigm integration and to specify associated criteria for judging inter-method coherence.

Choosing a Qualitative Research Method

“…Another reason for mixing methods may relate to what data are most likely to persuade the intended audience. A full discussion of the issues involved in using different methods is beyond the scope of this chapter and book but further discussion of some of the theoretical and practical issues involved can be seen in: Bryman (2006); Greene, Caracelli, and Graham (1989); Madill and Gough (2008);Todd, Nerlich, McKeown and Clarke (2004);and Yardley and Bishop (2007). One of the dangers in mixing methods is that important differences in the epistemological assumptions of methods may not be considered (Madill & Gough, 2008).…”

“…Different philosophical traditions have answered these questions in different ways. There are different ways of mapping these assumptions and, as Madill and Gough (2008) point out, there are almost as many typologies of qualitative methods as there are authors. For example, delineate positivism; postpositivism, critical theory and constructivism and examine each with regards to ontology, epistemology and methodology.…”

Understanding potential career changers’ experience of career confidence following a positive psychology based coaching programme

“…Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was chosen as the research method for this study as it was thought that this would deliver the richness and depth of data needed to impact the discussion around career confidence. IPA subscribes to a social constructivist epistemology which holds that reality is constructed through language and created through the interaction between the researcher and participant (Madill and Gough, 2008). The approach embraces the notion of double hermeneutics which describes the dual interpretative process exists in which the researcher interprets the participant, as they interpret their own experiences (Smith, Flowers & Larkin, 2009).…”

Qualitative health psychology research: Diversity, power, and impact.

“…Braun & Clarke, 2013;Camic, Rhodes & Yardley, 2003), conferences (dedicated qualitative events are now common for several major psychological associations, including APA) and articles in a wide variety of high profile psychology and health journals (e.g. Madill & Gough, 2008;Smith, 2011). It is also worth noting that qualitative methods are now promoted by major national health research funders as a means to give voice to patients (e.g.…”