QUALITATIVE METHODS
Erasmus University Rotterdam
Summary of 2 lectures & according literature
Contents
Lecture 1 – Interpretative Frameworks and Assumptions (Eshuis) 2
Lecture 2 – Five Qualitative Research Approaches (Eshuis) 8
, Summary based on the 2020 lectures by Jasper Eshuis & Sjaak Braster and according literature
Lecture 1 – Interpretive Frameworks and Assumptions
[Literature: Creswell, J.W. and C.N. Poth (2018). ‘Qualitative inquiry & research design: choosing
among five approaches’. Chapter (1,) 2]
Beliefs and philosophical assumption influence research and inform choices of theories that guide
research.
Philosophy The use of abstract ideas and beliefs that inform our research.
Paradigms A basic set of beliefs that guide action.
Theories Provide a general explanation as to what the researcher hopes to find in a study, or
a lens through which to view the needs of participants and communities in a study.
Importance of philosophy in research
Direction of research goals and outcomes
Scope of training and research experience
Basis of evaluative criteria for research-related decisions
Philosophical assumptions
Ontological assumptions:
The study of the nature of reality, of existence.
Dominant view: There are multiple realities. Qualitative methods analyse those realities.
In practice: Researchers might report different perspectives as themes develop in the
findings.
Epistemological assumptions:
The nature of knowledge. What is knowledge, what is valid, is knowledge privileged by experts,
what should knowledge be based on. The perception of knowledge influences the methodology.
Dominant view: Knowledge should be based on the subjective experiences of people.
In practice: Researchers can both rely on quotes from participants as evidence or become
an ‘insider’ themselves through field research.
Axiological assumptions:
Study of values like freedom, justice, trust, love, peace, dignity, equality, etc. What is the role of
values in research, specifically the values of the researcher. Should/ can it be part of research or
should it be left out.
Creswell’s assumption: There is a dominant axiological view that says research is value-
laden, researchers should explicate their values and reflect how it influences their results.
Post-positivists assumption: Researchers should be objective, researchers should not let
their values influence their research and therefore use rigorous scientific methods.
In practice: Values that shape the narrative can be discussed and interpretations in
conjunction with those of the participants can be included.
Methodological assumptions:
Research procedures and methods. Two main sets of methodological assumptions: inductive and
deductive reasoning. Various views on ‘good’ methodology.
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, Summary based on the 2020 lectures by Jasper Eshuis & Sjaak Braster and according literature
Inductive: observation (in the field) finding pattern hypothesis build theory
Deductive: theory test hypothesis through observation in the field confirmation
Dominant view: a topic should be studied in context (in the field) & methodology should
emerge during the research.
In practice: Researchers can work with details, descriptions of context and continued
revision of questions.
Interpretative frameworks
= sets of philosophical assumptions, from which research approaches are designed
≠ research approaches like narrative studies etc.
Two kinds of frameworks:
1. Theoretical lens: epistemology & methodology
2. Social justice: axiology, social justice, values
In de book, five different frameworks are distinguished:
i. Post positivism
ii. Social constructivism
iii. Postmodernism
iv. Transformative
v. Pragmatism
vi. Critical theory
An interpretative framework of the researchers influences the whole of the research: the approach
of the subject.
i. Post positivism
Ontology
There is a single reality which is beyond human perception. It doesn’t matter how people look at
this reality and how they think about this reality, it is there anyways.
Humans cannot directly assess reality, so researchers may not be able to understand it perfectly.
The idea of positivism fits the classical researchers like Einstein, before the invention of
machines like telescopes and microscopes. After these inventions post positivism emerged
because researchers found that the reality could be observed indirectly through these machines.
Epistemology
There is one truth which can be discovered (not constructed!!!) through observations and
measurement, objectively through research, statistics and machines. Interaction with research
subjects should be limited. Research is validated by peers, not by research participants.
Axiology
A researcher needs to control his/her biases and values. There is no need to explicate them:
often there is no discussion on values in papers by the researchers. (important for tutorial
exercises)
Methodology
Rigorous methods are crucial for knowledge. Deductive.
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, Summary based on the 2020 lectures by Jasper Eshuis & Sjaak Braster and according literature
ii. Social constructivism (=weak social constructivism)
Ontology
Assumes that people have a certain perception of the world. Their perceptions and experiences
differ and therefore different realities are constructed through lived experiences and
interactions with others. These interactions are very important within the constructions:
experiences and perceptions are constructed through interactions.
There are brute facts and institutional facts, but they don’t define human behaviour, experience
does define human behaviour.
Epistemology
People develop different knowledge about the world. How do people construct their reality,
rather than to understand facts or ‘the truth’. Behaviour is based on a certain person’s reality or
perception. Knowledge is a reality that is co-constructed between researchers and the subjects.
Axiology
People have different values because of their different lives, experiences and perceptions. These
values should be acknowledge and honoured by the researchers, they can be negotiated among
individuals in interactions.
Methodology
Reconstructing subjective meanings of subjects.
Inductive and emergent methods.
iii. Post modernism (=strong social constructivism)
Ontology
Similar to social constructivism in the perception that there are multiple realities. Post
modernism is a more extreme framework because reality is also defined both on experiences
and concepts because there are no facts to base things on, there is no reality.
There are no brute facts, everything is a (social) construction.
Epistemology
Knowledge and truth are defined by people’s concepts, positions and by power structures. E.g.:
our economy is based on (neo)liberal concepts like the market.
Therefore there are multiple ways of knowing.
Axiology
There are multiple value systems. Indigenous values within certain groups may exist. Dominant
values should be interrogated. And researcher’s values should be reflected.
Methodology
Methods are questioned because there is no absolute truth, everything is relative, even scientific
methods will not bring absolute truth. One truth is not better than another. Specific
understanding, not superior understanding. Don’t deny values, issues and concerns but highlight
them in transparency.
What is the danger of postmodernism?
iv. Transformative/postmodern
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