Premises, Principles, and Practices in Qualitative Research: Revisiting the Foundations

It is argued that researchers can build on Goffman’s ideas to strengthen their methodological practices and research products and suggest unacknowledged benefits of this work.

Abstract

In this keynote address, the author focuses on what we bring to qualitative inquiry and how we conduct our research. What we do, why we do it, and how we do it remain contested issues. She proposes that we look at our methodological premises anew, revisit our principles, and revise our practices. Throughout this address, she draws on Goffman's methodological insights to provide a foundation for reassessing qualitative inquiry. She argues that researchers can build on Goffman's ideas to strengthen their methodological practices and research products. Last, she counters current institutional scrutiny of qualitative inquiry and suggests unacknowledged benefits of this work.