Reply To: Block 4

[Amanda Nairn]

A I agree on the general idea that qualitative research should seek to hold itself to the much the same broad criteria that is used by quantitative researchers. The need to Root research in existing literature, use well established operating models and provide a clear audit trail to link research, data and findings,
C Challenged by the idea that a qualitative researcher should take steps to ensure that informants are telling the truth. In my experience, contradictions are commonplace between individuals and sometimes in the same individual over time. They are interesting but don’t mean the data should be discarded (I think)
I Interested in Nick’s view that research is a craft, with real artistry to it, and that doing perfectly trustworthy research is a necessary but not sufficient condition for doing great research.

D However I tend to agree with Nick that qualitative research should be unashamed about the unique and often un-repeatable insights that it produces as well as the skilled input of the researcher in its production. In this qualitative work is unlike quantitative research and should be proud to be so