Qualitative research methods: An essay review

Abstract

The authors ask us to explore the topic of "qualitative confirmation" in relation to the processes and outcomes of qualitative research practice. The question that directs their inquiry is "how can we make a case that qualitative data or findings warrant the inferences about the topics we are studying?" We review the historical discussion of confirmation theory within the logic of discovery, consider hypothesis generation and methodological decisions as instruments of the research process and then apply the Miller and Fredericks framework of rules to a published report of qualitative research (Glass, 1997). Full bibliographic references may be viewed by clicking on References (below) or on one of the linked citations in the text. We end our review with an appreciation of the work.