Finding the Perfect Fit - Paradigmatic Choices for Novice and Experienced Qualitative Researchers

Abstract

The choice of paradigm that academics face when conducting qualitative research is no easy task. From start to finish, methodological assumptions shape our research journey and our own epistemological outlook, so that our choice of paradigm speaks to us as social inquirers and says a lot about us to our readership. With this in mind, this review explores two recent publications aimed at seducing qualitative researchers to the theoretical paradigms they each advocate. Firstly, I consider Yvonna Lincoln and Egon Guba's (published posthumously)The Constructivist Credo(2013) and secondly Barry Gibson and Jan Hartman'sRediscovering Grounded Theory(2014). For this review, I will do my part to assess the validity and weight of these publications as research manuals. Once the inquirer has identified the “perfect paradigmatic fit” that speaks clearly and loudly to their professional and personal choices, it will be unlikely that they will later drift from this epistemological stance. Hence, finding the right paradigm appears to be a crucial first step into any research journey and a decision that stays with us for a lifetime.