2/8/2005 8:13 PM | Norman K. Denzin and Yvonna S. Lincoln
The introduction to the chapter discusses the historical and political context of qualitative research, highlighting its colonial origins and the ongoing tensions it faces. Linda Tuhiwai Smith's critique of the term "research" as linked to European imperialism and colonialism is emphasized, noting how qualitative research has been used to objectify and control indigenous peoples. The chapter traces the evolution of qualitative research from its early days in sociology and anthropology to its integration into various disciplines, including education, history, and social sciences. It outlines the historical moments that have shaped qualitative research, from the traditional period to the postmodern and postexperimental periods, each with its own methodological and theoretical characteristics.
The chapter also defines qualitative research as a situated activity that involves interpretive practices and the collection of empirical materials. It emphasizes the multi-method nature of qualitative research, which includes case studies, interviews, participant observation, and interpretive analysis. The concept of the "bricoleur" is introduced, describing the researcher as a versatile and adaptive practitioner who uses a variety of tools and methods to understand complex situations. The chapter discusses the challenges and resistances qualitative research faces, particularly from positivists who view it as unscientific or subjective. It also addresses the emergence of the scientifically based research (SBR) movement, which promotes evidence-based methodologies and criticizes qualitative research for its lack of rigorous methods and verification.
Finally, the chapter explores the tensions within qualitative research, including the ongoing debate between positivists and poststructuralists, and the need for qualitative researchers to critique and resist methodological marginalization. The chapter concludes by highlighting the political and epistemological dimensions of qualitative research, emphasizing its commitment to interpretive and critical approaches while critiquing the limitations of positivist and postpositivist paradigms.The introduction to the chapter discusses the historical and political context of qualitative research, highlighting its colonial origins and the ongoing tensions it faces. Linda Tuhiwai Smith's critique of the term "research" as linked to European imperialism and colonialism is emphasized, noting how qualitative research has been used to objectify and control indigenous peoples. The chapter traces the evolution of qualitative research from its early days in sociology and anthropology to its integration into various disciplines, including education, history, and social sciences. It outlines the historical moments that have shaped qualitative research, from the traditional period to the postmodern and postexperimental periods, each with its own methodological and theoretical characteristics.
The chapter also defines qualitative research as a situated activity that involves interpretive practices and the collection of empirical materials. It emphasizes the multi-method nature of qualitative research, which includes case studies, interviews, participant observation, and interpretive analysis. The concept of the "bricoleur" is introduced, describing the researcher as a versatile and adaptive practitioner who uses a variety of tools and methods to understand complex situations. The chapter discusses the challenges and resistances qualitative research faces, particularly from positivists who view it as unscientific or subjective. It also addresses the emergence of the scientifically based research (SBR) movement, which promotes evidence-based methodologies and criticizes qualitative research for its lack of rigorous methods and verification.
Finally, the chapter explores the tensions within qualitative research, including the ongoing debate between positivists and poststructuralists, and the need for qualitative researchers to critique and resist methodological marginalization. The chapter concludes by highlighting the political and epistemological dimensions of qualitative research, emphasizing its commitment to interpretive and critical approaches while critiquing the limitations of positivist and postpositivist paradigms.