On the nature of the qualitative research approach

Abstract

The qualitative approach to research is seen as a socially constructed heterogeneous tradition of ideas. It is difficult to argue for the existence of some set of features which are common to all qualitative methods but not to other types of research methods. Furthermore, it is unfortunate to see the qualitative approach as inherently in contrast to the quantitative approach. In fact, it may be fruitful to combine features from each of the typically formula¬ted clusters ascribed to the two research philosophies in order to construct new promising methods and approaches. Due to their heterogeneity, it seems preferable not to discuss research methods at such abstract levels where they are grouped together as either qualita¬tive or quantitative approaches. Instead, the pros and cons of different modes of research might better be discussed in terms of lower level research methods in the context of specific types of research problems.