166: Perspectives and Practices in Qualitative Research

This introductory workshop presents and contrasts three major orientations to qualitative research and provides participants with experiential learning opportunities in their representative practices. Individualist, inter-subjective, and relational orientations rest on separate assumptions, but together offer a rich palette of exploration and understanding for both researchers and practitioners. Participants will thus be introduced to research approaches to personal experience (phenomenology), inter-subjective understanding in interview-based inquiry, and research in which professionals join “subjects” in collaborative inquiry and action.

1. Describe the relationship between theoretical and ideological assumptions and the selection of research methodology,
2. Explain the rationale and value underpinnings of phenomenological research,
3. Discuss the central features of phenomenological research methods,
4. Summarize the basic assumptions that constitute inter-subjective theory,
5. Describe interviewing practices designed to maximize inter-subjective understanding,
6. Explain the theoretical and value underpinnings of collaborative research methods, and
7. Demonstrate the elements of appreciative inquiry methodology.

Kenneth J. Gergen, PhD, Taos Institute, Chagrin Falls, OH; Frederick J. Wertz, PhD, Fordham University, Bronx, NY; Ruthellen Josselson, PhD, Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA; Mary M. Gergen, PhD, Pennsylvania State University, Brandywine, Media, PA