Quality Issues in Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

In this article I outline the case for methodological awareness as an essential component of the craft skill that qualitative researchers typically bring to their work. This is opposed to the view that good quality research can be produced by opting for the criteria promoted by one variety, ‘paradigm’, ‘moment’ or school, arguing instead that valuable lessons for research practice can be learned from each one. The ‘craft skill’ conception of research suggests that researchers should regard their activities as relatively autonomous from the need to resolve philosophical disputes. Methodological awareness, involving the capacity to anticipate the consequences of methodological decisions while carrying out a research project, can be acquired from exposure to almost any intelligent methodological discussion, as well as from critical reading of existing research studies. In making this case a summary of historical moments in qualitative research, and of key ideas presented by selected qualitative ‘criteriologists’ is provided.