A story of great expectations. Qualitative research in psychology in the Czech and Slovak Republics

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this article, we explore how social, cultural, and institutional contexts have influenced methodological choices in psychology research in the Czech and Slovak republics (C&SR). Thirty years since the collapse of communism in 1989, many qualitative psychologists are disappointed, feeling their hopes have not been fulfilled. In the current performance-oriented and measurement-obsessed academic milieu, it has become difficult to do in-depth qualitative research. Despite the broad integration of qualitative research into C&SR psychology, there has been only a modest increase in qualitative research getting published. Our article looks at the personal narratives of key figures in qualitative research in the C&SR and how these overlap with the overall narratives of social change in our countries and the epistemological changes in our science. The article draws on a conference panel discussion, interviews with key actors who have shaped qualitative research in C&SR, and our own experiences.