Qualitative Methods

On the Pragmatics of Qualitative Assessment

“…However, in the face of starting a research or an assessment project they sometimes seem vague and abstract. While it is quite easy to find excellent introductions of theory, methodology, and qualitative data collection (e.g., Neimeyer & Gemignani, 2003), the novice researcher may find it difficult to access what could be called "pragmatic knowledge," especially when it comes to the process of qualitative data analysis and interpretation. Pragmatic knowledge in this context can be understood as established principles, heuristics, and rules guiding the actions and decisions of the researcher during different steps of the assessment process.…”

“…Qualitative research requires a flexible, nonsequential approach (Maxwell, 1998). Consequently, its process cannot be pressed into some clear-cut model with distinctive phases but rather has a more complex, idiosyncratic, and fluid structure (Neimeyer & Gemignani, 2003). Of course, it would be misleading to develop a process that could be used like a “recipe.” But this does not mean that one should shy away from discussing the assessment process, its steps, and the guiding principles and rules.…”