Some Thoughts on Qualitative Research

Having a solid understanding of research paradigms and being aware of quite a few historical subtleties is a must when it comes to educational research. Because of the nature of my profession, an in-depth explanation of the teaching-learning phenomenon seems to be appropriate so as to fully comprehend the myriad of elements involved in the educational construct and its implications. To this end, qualitative research offers a variety of methodological possibilities and practices.

History, politics, criticism, features, tensions, and the future of qualitative research are present in this book summary. There are several concepts that are definitely sitting with me. This first chapter has reinforced the multilayered reality and complexity of qualitative research. Building on this concept, Denzin and Lincoln have pointed out that “The field sprawls between and crosscuts all of the human disciplines, even including, in some cases, the physical sciences” (p. 13). This is thought-provoking, indeed. 

Qualitative research nurtures from a variety of social disciplines in order to explore the nuances of a given reality. Likewise, the role of a qualitative researcher constitutes a major concept. I do agree with the authors in the sense that “research is an interactive process shaped by one’s personal history, biography, gender, social class, race, and ethnicity and those of the people in the setting” (p. 12). There is no such thing as a non-personal, non-biased observation or interpretation whatsoever. As a matter of fact, researchers ought to clarify their stances and situate themselves with regards to these concepts from the outset of the process. Next, I have to admit that I do not feel quite comfortable with the term “bricoleur”, though. My belief is that it somehow belittles the scientific notion of qualitative research. I think I understand the authors when they try to convey the idea of pragmatism and flexibility, but another terminology is required, a more scientific or professional one.

References

Denzin, N.K., & Lincoln, Y.S. (2017). Introduction: The discipline and practice of qualitative research. In N.K. Denzin & Y.S. Lincoln (Eds.), The Sage handbook of qualitative research (5^th ed., pp. 1-26). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.


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