Qualitative method and compromise in applied social research

Abstract

The article discusses the findings of interviews with researchers who use qualitative methods in social research contracts with public sector clients. Issues arising in research projects in relation to understandings of, and implementation of, qualitative methods are discussed. Researchers’ reasons for choosing qualitative methods, conceptions of quality in qualitative research, and how they believe qualitative methods are perceived and used by commissioners are considered. There is great diversity between researchers in their level of confidence in using qualitative methods and their commitment to particular philosophical positions in social science. There is widespread disillusionment with the processes whereby qualitative work is reduced in quality by pressures towards quasi-quantification and superficiality. Particularly where a previous occupational identity instils greater confidence, there is also evidence of hidden resistances of researchers committed to a view of qualitative work as emancipatory and requiring of epistemological integrity.