TENDINTE IN CERCETAREA PSIHOLOGICA: METODOLOGIA CALITATIVA (I)

ABSTRACT

There is ongoing debate within psychology about the legitimacy of qualitative methods. In the social sciences arena, psychology has been one of the last disciplines to adopt qualitative methods for research. The aim of this article is to present a general overview of the qualitative research, the background of this qualitative turn and the characteristics of qualitative methods. The article provides an understanding of the assumptions underlying such research methods, presenting them as both a critique and a complement to quantitative approaches. It also presents a practical guide on how to carry out such research, along with the basis for a critical evaluation of it. The reader's attention is drawn to the vital aspects of qualitative research such as reflexivity, ethics, and social constructivism.

KEYWORDS: qualitative methods, positivism, constructivism, interpretation, reflexivity