Qualitative Research and Its Place in Psychological Science

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Qualitative Research and Its Place in Psychological Science
Language: English
Authors: Madill, Anna, Gough, Brendan
Source: Psychological Methods. Sep 2008 13(3):254-271.
Availability: American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Peer Reviewed: Y
Physical Description: PDF
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2008
Intended Audience: Researchers
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Qualitative Research, Models, Psychology, Research Methodology, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Evaluation Criteria, History, Statistical Analysis
DOI: 10.1037/a0013220
ISSN: 1082-989X
Abstract: In discussing the place of diverse qualitative research within psychological science, the authors 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. The authors 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, the authors argue that the different ways in which the concept of paradigm can be interpreted allow them 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 the authors to envisage how communication between research communities can be enhanced. This critical review allows the authors to systematize possible configurations for research practice in psychology on a continuum of paradigm integration and to specify associated criteria for judging intermethod coherence. (Contains 4 tables, 1 figure, and 1 footnote.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 150
Entry Date: 2008
Accession Number: EJ809945
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In discussing the place of diverse qualitative research within psychological science, the authors 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. The authors 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, the authors argue that the different ways in which the concept of paradigm can be interpreted allow them 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 the authors to envisage how communication between research communities can be enhanced. This critical review allows the authors to systematize possible configurations for research practice in psychology on a continuum of paradigm integration and to specify associated criteria for judging intermethod coherence. (Contains 4 tables, 1 figure, and 1 footnote.)
ISSN:1082-989X
DOI:10.1037/a0013220