Methodological Issues in Qualitative Research for the Researcher/Practitioner

Abstract

This paper examines some of the methodological and ethical issues that arose during the course of a qualitative study, which aimed to gain an understanding of the experience of head injury and the impact of rehabilitation. It focuses particularly on the problems that may be relevant for clinicians and researchers investigating aspects of their practice. The questions of the relationships between the researcher and the respondents, reflexivity and the dynamics of power during data collection and data analysis are discussed. These could be important considerations for others who wish to conduct research in their practice setting.