Do we need methodological theory to do qualitative research?

Area of Science:

• Epistemology and Philosophy of Science
• Qualitative Research Methodologies

Background:

• Positivism, emphasizing verificationism, objectivity, and reproducibility, is often seen as the basis of empirical knowledge.
• Qualitative researchers have developed alternative theories like phenomenology, grounded theory, and ethnography to align with their distinct philosophical commitments.
• A critical examination of positivism's attempt to rigidly separate theory and evidence is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critique the foundational assumptions of positivism in empirical science.
• To propose a pragmatic and coherent understanding of knowledge.
• To argue against the necessity and utility of qualitative methodological theory.

Main Methods:

• Philosophical analysis of scientific epistemology.
• Critique of established qualitative research theories.
• Argumentation for a revised understanding of the theory-evidence relationship in empirical investigation.

Main Results:

• Positivism's pursuit of empirical foundations through strict theory-evidence separation is fundamentally flawed.
• A pragmatic approach offers a more coherent view of knowledge.
• Rigorous empirical investigation does not inherently require separate methodological theories.

Conclusions:

• Qualitative methodological theories are unnecessary and potentially detrimental to critical reflection.
• The rigid separation of theory and evidence in positivism is a failed endeavor.
• A pragmatic epistemology supports rational empirical investigation without overreliance on methodological theory.