Qualitative approach to inquiry research and theory

aristocratic approach to inquiry look and theoryFor almost four decades now, the corrective boundary surrounded by hearty sciences and humanities has drawn closer in concert in order to form an interpretive, soft approach to inquiry, inquiry, and theory (Denzin and capital of Nebraska, 2008). Although the use up of soft approaches is not new, it is remarkable the extent to which it has expanded through social sciences and into some other related fields such as public wellness (Carter et al., 2009, Finlay, 2007, Denzin and Lincoln, 2008, Draper, 2004, Liam gettong, 2009).In the past, public health inquiry projects primarily involved duodecimal methods and approaches (Finlay, 2007). The decimal approach includes the traditional public health disciples of epidemiology and statistics, and medicine and biological science (Draper, 2004). More broadly, this approach employs rigorous, systematic, and objective methodological analysis in order to spatial relation as acquai ntance that tail end be generalisable (Denzin and Lincoln, 2008, Patton, 2002). In recent times, however, soft look methods and approaches have become increasingly accepted within public health fields (Finlay, 2007, Draper, 2004). Recognition of the value of such look is increasing, where the focus is on the lived experiences of an individual as well as the social context of health and illness. Although, not surprisingly, the increased popularity of the qualitative approach has been met with well-nigh resistance (Denzin and Lincoln, 2008). A resurgent scientifically domiciled look paradigm has created a bitter environment for qualitative question. From this perspective, qualitative look into is viewed as a soft science, and investigate outcomes be much thought to lack in dependableness and validity (Guba and Lincoln, 1998, Liamputtong, 2009, Denzin and Lincoln, 2008). More everyplace, vicenary lookers argue that the gold standard of producing worthwhile friendship is based on numeric, experimental sight public figures (Denzin and Lincoln, 2005), and that the interpretive nature of qualitative data is of little value in contributing to scientific knowledge (Liamputtong, 2009, Finlay, 2007). Consequently, lather is required from qualitative look intoers to be explicit about the carry through in which search is being carried out and to defend that process as a form of human inquiry that should be taken soberly (Crotty, 1998). More specifically, on that point is a need for qualitative researchers to understand and apprise the philosophical and suppositional principles that underpin qualitative research (Draper, 2004, Carter and Little, 2007).As such, this root allow for outline a model developed by Crotty (1998), which provides a mannikin for the heterogeneous philosophical and theory-based perspectives that influence and distinguish qualitative inquiry. This framework ranciders researchers a sense of stability and direction as t hey give notice towards agreement and undertaking the research process (Crotty, 1998). Next, this paper pass on soon discuss the rationale behind employing qualitative approaches for research, pickyly in rating wadtings and culturally assorted research contexts. However, before outlining the framework developed by Crotty (1998), it impart be useful to briefly examine what is meant by the status qualitative research (Draper, 2004).Qualitative ResearchQualitative research is an stadium of inquiry that crosses disciplines, fields, and subject matters (Denzin and Lincoln, 2005). It includes a range of complex, interconnected verges, concepts, and assumptions. Furthermore, qualitative research does not privilege a single methodological practice everyplace another and has no theory or paradigm that is distinctly its take (Denzin and Lincoln, 2005). The broad use of qualitative research as a term can therefore make it difficult for scholars to agree on every essential definit ion (Denzin and Lincoln, 2008, Strauss and Corbin, 1996). In this being utter, we must establish a definition for the purpose of this parole. Denzin Lincoln (2005) define qualitative research as a situated activity that locates the observer in the institution. It is comprised of a set of interpretive, material practices that make the world visible. These practices transform the world and turn it into a series of representations including field notes, interviews, conversations, and recordings (Denzin and Lincoln, 2005). Essentially this means that qualitative researchers study things in their natural setting, attempting to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in the context of the gist people bring to them. Consequently, qualitative research involves an interpretive, naturalistic approach to the world (Denzin and Lincoln, 2005, Denzin and Lincoln, 2008, Patton, 2002, Draper, 2004, Liamputtong, 2009).As a starting point, during the initial stages of developing a qualitative res earch project it is suggested that two master(prenominal) questions are addressed (Crotty, 1998). Firstly, what methodologies and methods will be used in the proposed research? Secondly, how will the elect methodologies and methods be justified? These questions can then be expanded into four canonic elements epistemology, speculative perspective, methodology and methods (Crotty, 1998). When undertaking social research majority of watchword and terminology relate in nigh ways to these four main elements, however there are numerous ways in which they are categorized (Patton, 2002, Carter and Little, 2007, Draper, 2004). What is frequently found is that the four elements are placed unneurotic in ways that suggest comparability (Crotty, 1998, Carter and Little, 2007). For example, terms such as Ethnography and Constructionism whitethorn be placed together as methodologies, approaches or perspectives (Crotty, 1998).In order to prevent confusion it is suggested that these main elem ents are sorted to provide some guidance when undertaking the research process (Crotty, 1998). heterogeneous ways to distinguish these qualitative traditions have been offered by numerous authors (Draper, 2004, Patton, 2002), including Lincoln and Guba (2005), Schwandt (2007), Crotty (1998) and Creswell (1998). However, for the purpose of this reciprocation, the framework (please refer to Figure 1 below) suggested by Crotty (1998) will be employed.MethodsMethodologyTheoretical PerspectiveEpistemologyFigure 1This framework offers deuce-ace main epistemologies objectivism, constructionism, and subjectivism (Patton, 2002, Crotty, 1998). These three elements are then suggested to influence in change degrees different theoretical perspectives positivism (and postpositivism), interpretivism ( exemplary interaction, phenomenology, hermeneutics), critical inquiry, feminism, and post modernism (Patton, 2002, Crotty, 1998). It is cold beyond the scope of this paper to define and expand on severally of these philosophical and theoretical elements outlined above, however it is serious to be awake of the characteristics and distinctions that exist at each direct of this model (Draper, 2004).Firstly, it should be noteworthy that in many research textbooks the use of the term qualitative often implies that is forms an umbrella superior to the term paradigm (Guba and Lincoln, 1998). Furthermore, qualitative research and decimal research are often compared against each other as diametral opposites (Crotty, 1998, Johnson and Waterfield, 2004, Draper, 2004). However, as Crotty (1998) suggests, the distinction amidst qualitative research and quantitative research is drawn at the direct of methods (Crotty, 1998). It does not occur at any the level of epistemology or theoretical perspective. What does occur at these levels is the distinction between objectivist/positivist research, on the one hand, and constructionist and subjectivist research, on the other (Crotty, 1998). As such, discussion of Crottys framework will begin at the level of epistemology.EpistemologyEpistemology aims to provide a philosophical tooshie for deciding what kinds of knowledge are executable and how we can ensure that they are adequate and legitimate (Crotty, 1998). In other words, epistemology is the study of the nature of knowledge and justification (Schwandt, 2007). This element is the starting point because epistemology creates the foundation for the research process and will directly influence other elements in the framework (Carter and Little, 2007). More specifically, decisions about epistemology will impact cream of methodology, as some epistemologies are incommensurable to certain methodologies (Carter and Little, 2007). Epistemology may as well throttle research methods, determine the relationship between researcher and participant, the eliminate measures of research quality, and the nature of reporting (Carter and Little, 2007).Although there are a va riety of epistemologies (Crotty, 1998, Schwandt, 2007), Crottys framework proposes three main epistemologies objectivism, subjectivism and constructionism. Of these three, constructionism is the epistemology that qualitative researcher often invoke (Crotty, 1998). However, it is important to note that it has become common for qualitative researchers to superficially claim to be a constructionist (Crotty, 1998). When a researcher claims to be a constructionist it is vital that the deeper moment of the term is reflected on, including what does it mean for research to be constructionist? And what implications does being constructionist hold? Responses to these questions are important for defending the process in which research has been undertaken (Crotty, 1998).As previously mentioned, Crottys framework suggests that from an epistemological perspective the distinction is made between Objectivist/ overconfident research, on the one hand, and Constructionist and subjectivist research o n the other (Crotty, 1998). Furthermore, the distinction between qualitative and quantitative approaches is drawn at methods. As such, in accordance of rights with this framework, research can be qualitative or quantitative, or two qualitative and quantitative, without this being problematic in any way (Crotty, 1998). However, problems would mount in the attempt of being both objectivist and constructionist (or subjectivist). on that pointfore, to avoid such involution there is a need to be systematically objectivist or consistently constructionist (or subjectivist) (Crotty, 1998).Theoretical PerspectiveNext we describe the philosophical stance that forms the base of the chosen methodology for the research project (Crotty, 1998). Inevitably, when undertaking research a number of assumptions are made in relation to the chosen methodology (Crotty, 1998). By stating what these assumptions are we are elaborating the theoretical perspective of the study (Crotty, 1998). Crottys sugg ests the theoretical perspectives positivism (and postpositivism), interpretivism (symbolic interaction, phenomenology, hermeneutics), critical inquiry, feminism, and post modernism (Crotty, 1998). Generally, qualitative research is said to be broadly rooted in the interpretive tradition, while quantitative research being rooted in the positivist tradition (Draper, 2004, Liamputtong, 2009). However, Crotty offers an utility(a) position in regards to the distinction drawn at this level (Crotty, 1998).Crotty suggests that from the level of theoretical perspective, contrast is made between positivism vs. non positivism, not quantitative vs. qualitative (Crotty, 1998). In other words, it is possible for a quantitative percentage of work to be presented in non positivist way. Moreover, qualitative research may also be understood in a positivist manner, or situated in an overall positivist setting (Crotty, 1998). For example, when investigators talk of exploring meanings by employing qu alitative methods and then confirming or validating their findings through a quantitative study, the latter is being approached in a positivist way. Consequently, what makes a study turn into a positivist piece of work is not necessarily the use of quantitative methods but the attribution of objectivity, validity and generalisability to quantitative findings (Crotty, 1998).MethodologyMethodology is the third level in the framework and is a term that is frequently used loosely in the literature (Carter and Little, 2007). For example, various authors refer to methodology as schools of thought or movements (such as symbolic interactionism or feminism), whole disciples (such as anthropology), or methods (such as focus groups or observation). However, the definition that will be offered for the purpose of this discussion is the research design that determines the choice and use of specific methods and connects them to desired outcomes (Crotty, 1998). Furthermore, methodology is the middl e terra firma that exists between the discussion of methods and the discussion of the philosophy and theoretical elements of the study. In this sense, methods and methodology are closely associated. What is required at this level of the framework is not only a description of the methodology but also an narration of the rationale it provides for the choice of methods and the particular forms in which the methods are employed (Crotty, 1998). there are numerous methodological theories that researchers may adopt in qualitative research. Over the decades, methodologists have articulated various ways to approach qualitative research (Carter and Little, 2007). Some of the methodologies that Crotty (1998) suggest include Experimental research, Ethnography, Phenomenological research, Grounded theory, Action research and Discourse analysis. Among the various methodological theories that are used in qualitative research, one of the most commonly used is phenomenology (Liamputtong, 2009).When constructing methodology researchers commonly pass on that they will use whichever methodology that suits the objectives and research questions of the study (Carter et al., 2009). Although, this does not complete that this relationship exists in two directions. In other words, the methodologies provide a way of thinking that will strongly impact a studys possible objectives, questions, and study design. Importantly, however, the objectives, questions, and study design will also shape the choice of methodologies (Carter and Little, 2007). As such, the degree to which a study is undertaken within a theoretical framework will be less important that the degree to which a study can justify the internal consistently of the choices of method, methodology, and epistemology (Carter and Little, 2007).MethodsFinally, the last level of the framework that will be outlined is methods. Research methods can be defined as the particular activities that researchers engage in so as to gather and an alyse their data (Crotty, 1998). Whichever data collection methods are chosen for the study, the challenge lies in being capable to undertake the procedure off skillfully, rigorously, and sensitively (Finlay, 2007). Given the aim of identifying and justifying the research process, it is vital that the methods are depict in as much detail as possible. Crotty (1998) outlines a spacious range of methods that may be employed when undertaking research (Draper, 2004), some of which include questionnaires, observation, interviews, case studies, document analysis, and focus groups. More specifically, within qualitative research there are multiple methods that may be utilized, some of the most common include Observation, Interviewing, and Focus Groups (Patton, 2002). However, it is important to note that there is no one particular method or set of methods that exclusively represent the qualitative approach (Schwandt, 2007).Methods are the most flexible and pragmatic components of the rese arch process and are strongly influenced by other elements in the framework. Methods also create the pathway to the final research product (Carter and Little, 2007). There is no research without sampling, data collection, data managements, analysis, and reporting. Additionally, without frightful choice of methods, the research questions will not be effectively answered and the objectives will not be met. As methods are the most accessible, observable and obligatory of the four elements in Crottys framework, it is often the element that is most attended to in practice (Carter and Little, 2007). It is also too easy to select methods because they are more familiar, faster, or easier to mechanism without paying sufficient attention to the research outcomes and conclusions they will produce (Carter and Little, 2007). In the health sector, qualitative research is frequently conducted without attention to the philosophical and theoretical perspectives that influence and distinguish quali tative inquiry. In these circumstances, such research will be difficult to justify unless methods, methodology, and epistemology are outlined and internally consistent. By having a firm handle on the methodological and epistemological decisions, the methods should spud to serve the study (Carter and Little, 2007)JustificationSince the framework developed by Crotty (1998) has been outlined, discussion will now briefly touch on the rationale for employing a qualitative approach to research, particularly in evaluation settings and culturally diverse contexts. The actual and potential screening of qualitative methods and approaches is so broad and over time is constantly expanding (Patton, 2002). However, qualitative approaches are not always appropriate for all inquiry situations (Patton, 2002). Certain purposes, questions, problems and situations are more appropriate for qualitative application than others. Within the field of public health qualitative research has much to offer in terms of understanding patterns of behaviour and how particular problems arise, as well as informing the design of interventions or go (Draper, 2004).In general, within the field of public health quantitative research aims to assist both practitioners and policy makers to ensure that health education and purvey are relevant to the needs of service users (Finlay, 2007). Some qualitative research will also focus more particularly on endowment a voice to marginalized, vulnerable or disempowered individuals or groups, with a view to empower them to take control of their own health. Another relevant application for qualitative approaches is in the context of evaluations, since they tell the programs story by capturing and communicating participants stories (Patton, 2002). Qualitative findings in evaluations illuminate the people behind the numbers and put faces on the statistics in order to deepen understanding (Patton, 2002).More specifically, qualitative research has also become imp ortant for collecting information on the perceptions, beliefs, and values of culturally diverse groups (Caldero et al., 2000). As nations become more culturally diverse, qualitative research approaches will become more widely used. This is in the hope to achieve a better understanding of the needs of minorities and other vulnerable populations that are experiencing less than optimal access to health care and experiencing poorer health status then the broader population (Caldero et al., 2000). The use of qualitative research is not intended to replace, but should be considered complementary to, quantitative research approaches. This will result in wider and a more realistic understanding of the health status of our diverse population (Caldero et al., 2000).ConclusionIn conclusion, it powerfulness be true that research can be completed without go to to the philosophical and theoretical foundations of ones work (Carter and Little, 2007). However, this discussion suggests that having an awareness of these elements carries substantial service (Carter and Little, 2007, Draper, 2004). Epistemology, theoretical perspective, methodology and methods are all fundamental concepts (Draper, 2004). Reporting our research requires us to set forth the research process we have move in and to do so faithfully and comprehensively (Crotty, 1998). Is it, after all, our look of the research process that establishes the credit of our research. The process itself is the only source of justification. Consequently, effort is required from researchers to be explicit about the process in which research has been carried out and to defend that process of qualitative research as a form of human inquiry that should be taken seriously (Crotty, 1998). al-Quran Count 2950 word