Nonquantitative Research

Abstract

In the field of qualitative – hermeneutic - social research there are a variety of different approaches and currents stemming from various philosophical and disciplinary traditions. However, most of the qualitative research styles share certain characteristics such as the research being very open in its approach to the researched subject. At the beginning of the research concerning the problem area, the researcher often chooses a broad thematic framework. During the research, work, focuses, modifications, and reorientations of interest may occur. Openness also means that the research process cannot be precisely planned or predicted in advance.