BEYOND THE QUALITATIVE PARADIGM - A FRAMEWORK FOR INTRODUCING DIVERSITY WITHIN QUALITATIVE PSYCHOLOGY

The case for qualitative research in psychology is considered. We argu e against the idea that qualitative research is merely a matter of tec hnique or method, and question the utility of viewing it as a unitary paradigm. Rather, the links between epistemology, methodology, and met hod are explored within three theorized strands of qualitative inquiry , making reference to illustrative projects. Each strand is organized around a different approach to the issues of justifying and warranting psychological knowledge: (1) reliability and validity; (2) generativi ty and grounding; and (3) discourse and reflexivity. These are exempli fied in Miles and Huberman's 'data display' model, Glaser and Strauss' method of 'grounded theory', and in various forms of 'discourse' anal ysis. Reflections upon points of contact between the three strands add ress two main issues: (1) rendering research publicly accountable; and (2) challenging relativism.