How to Ask for a Study in Qualitatisch

Abstract

This article summarizes a keynote lecture presented to the Advances in Qualitative Methods conference. The core problem is the following: A variety of research approaches are now summarized under the term qualitative , yet it is not clear what such approaches have in common. Four characteristics are offered that describe a prototype for what are here called “translation” studies: rich points, abductive logic, a puzzle-solving mode of analysis, and a complexity theory representation. The prototype includes, but is not limited by, the usual terms used to describe such research approaches, including the term qualitative itself. Three examples are offered to show how the prototype applies to public health intervention as well as research.