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The variety of qualitative research. Part one: Introduction to the problem
1Learning and Teaching Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
Nurse Education Today
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Qualitative research in nursing is growing, but confusion exists regarding data handling and interpretation. Differentiating between positivist and non-positivist approaches is crucial for accurate nursing research.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Research
- Qualitative Methodologies
Background:
- Qualitative techniques are increasingly vital in nursing research and education.
- Significant confusion surrounds the nature, handling, and application of qualitative data.
- This ambiguity often stems from failing to distinguish between different qualitative data orientations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the nature and use of qualitative data in nursing research.
- To differentiate between various orientations to qualitative data analysis.
- To address the confusion surrounding qualitative research methods in nursing.
Main Methods:
- The study discusses different philosophical underpinnings of qualitative data.
- It contrasts positivist and non-positivist research orientations.
- The paper lays the groundwork for a detailed examination of non-positivist approaches.
Main Results:
- Positivist research may utilize qualitative data, seeking an underlying reality and verifiable truth.
- Validity in positivist qualitative research requires data to accurately reflect reality.
- Non-positivist research encompasses diverse approaches often mistakenly grouped together.
Conclusions:
- Distinguishing between research orientations is essential for understanding qualitative data.
- Clarifying these distinctions will improve the rigor and application of qualitative nursing research.
- Further exploration of non-positivist qualitative research is warranted.