The Science of Qualitative Research
Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
| Author: | Martin Packer | ISBN: | 9780511993787 |
| Publisher: | Cambridge University Press | Publication: | November 22, 2010 |
| Imprint: | Cambridge University Press | Language: | English |
| Author: | Martin Packer |
| ISBN: | 9780511993787 |
| Publisher: | Cambridge University Press |
| Publication: | November 22, 2010 |
| Imprint: | Cambridge University Press |
| Language: | English |
This book is a unique examination of qualitative research in the social sciences, raising and answering the question of why we do this kind of investigation. Rather than offering advice on how to conduct qualitative research, it explores the multiple roots of qualitative research – including phenomenology, hermeneutics and critical theory – in order to diagnose the current state of play and recommend an alternative. The diagnosis is that much qualitative research today continues to employ the mind-world dualism that is typical of traditional experimental investigation. The recommendation is that we focus on constitution: the relationship of mutual formation between a form of life and its members. The basic tools of qualitative research – interviews, ethnographic fieldwork and analysis of discourse – are re-forged in order to articulate how our way of living makes us who we are, and so empower us to change this form of life.
This book is a unique examination of qualitative research in the social sciences, raising and answering the question of why we do this kind of investigation. Rather than offering advice on how to conduct qualitative research, it explores the multiple roots of qualitative research – including phenomenology, hermeneutics and critical theory – in order to diagnose the current state of play and recommend an alternative. The diagnosis is that much qualitative research today continues to employ the mind-world dualism that is typical of traditional experimental investigation. The recommendation is that we focus on constitution: the relationship of mutual formation between a form of life and its members. The basic tools of qualitative research – interviews, ethnographic fieldwork and analysis of discourse – are re-forged in order to articulate how our way of living makes us who we are, and so empower us to change this form of life.
