A brief introduction into several research philosophies and their practical application in the research process. In this introduction to the philosophies behind qualitative research, the reader will learn about different approaches, learn about their historic background and finally see three different research models in action. The introduction is rounded off by a contemporary and extensive reference list for a further and deeper understanding of this matter.
Table of Contents
1. On the “quality” of qualitative research
2. Philosophy of Qualitative research
3. Post positivism as postulated by the Vienna Circle
4. Grounded theory
5. The qualitative research process
6. Three exemplary research approaches
Research Objectives and Themes
This work explores the historical evolution, philosophical underpinnings, and methodological frameworks of qualitative research, aiming to clarify its role in knowledge production despite common criticisms regarding objectivity and bias.
- The historical transition from quantitative to qualitative research paradigms.
- Core philosophical pillars: ontology, epistemology, and axiology.
- Challenges of bias, reliability, and validity within qualitative studies.
- The researcher's influence and the insider/outsider perspective.
- Overview of key methodologies: Focus groups, Case studies, and Ethnographic studies.
Excerpt from the Book
On the “quality” of qualitative research
One cannot talk about qualitative research without even touching “quantitative research”, it seems they only exist in a form of duality. How and why qualitative research evolved and why certain critical points are being repeated, is important to appreciate this form of research while being weary of its shortcomings.
Historically speaking during the period of Taylorism anything (and maybe only ) countable was a matter of concern, as only there improvements could be scientifically proven (Bain et al., 2002). The horrors of the great war and even more of the second world war (where certain “scientific” methods were used to organize and make “things” measurable (Bloxham, 2008)) lead to the idea that there might be more to it than just numbers or things that can be easily measured. Conner argues (Conner, 2018) that qualitative research took really off after the second world war.
Obviously, there was a need to try to make sense of what has happened and raged on the globe for decades. The (slow) acceptance of psychology and psychoanalysis as “scientific” helped to establish qualitative research. Generally qualitative research was firstly established in the USA, went through different levels of acceptance, even experienced even moments of blurriness in the 80s (Flick, 2014). Since the 80s Europe also slowly accepted qualitative research and by the end of the 80s emancipated itself from the “pure American way” of research.
Summary of Chapters
On the “quality” of qualitative research: Examines the historical evolution of qualitative research and its relationship with quantitative paradigms.
Philosophy of Qualitative research: Explores the main philosophical pillars, including ontology, epistemology, and axiology.
Post positivism as postulated by the Vienna Circle: Discusses the transition from rigid scientific laws toward an understanding of imperfect, fallible knowledge.
Grounded theory: Analyzes the methodology of building theory from the ground up rather than focusing solely on hypothesis testing.
The qualitative research process: Investigates the impact of the researcher on the study process and the challenges of managing bias.
Three exemplary research approaches: Provides an overview of focus groups, case studies, and ethnographic studies.
Keywords
Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Philosophy of Science, Ontology, Epistemology, Axiology, Post Positivism, Grounded Theory, Research Process, Bias, Focus Groups, Case Studies, Ethnography, Methodology, Knowledge Construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This document provides an overview of the philosophical foundations and methodologies of qualitative research, analyzing its development and the challenges researchers face.
What are the central thematic fields discussed?
The work covers the history of qualitative research, philosophical pillars, research process management, and specific methodological approaches.
What is the central research objective?
The objective is to understand how qualitative research contributes to knowledge and to address the critique concerning its lack of objectivity.
Which scientific methods are analyzed in this text?
The text focuses on qualitative approaches, specifically highlighting focus groups, case studies, and ethnographic research.
What does the main body address?
The main body examines the history of the discipline, the ontological and epistemological assumptions behind it, and practical challenges like researcher bias and objectivity.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Keywords include Qualitative Research, Ontology, Epistemology, Grounded Theory, Research Process, and Ethnography.
How does the "insider/outsider" perspective impact research?
The text argues that being an outsider can sometimes be beneficial as it prevents personal bias, although it may lead to language or cultural barriers that require mitigation.
Why are focus groups considered useful?
Focus groups are valuable for understanding knowledge construction and how participants form opinions through group dynamics.
Does the author suggest that qualitative research can be "objective"?
The document suggests that while total objectivity is difficult, researchers use various frameworks and reflection techniques to minimize subjectivity and enhance the quality of their studies.
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- Guenther Klein (Autor:in), 2022, Research Philosophies and their Practical Application in the Research Process, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1266823
