The Qualitative Approach as a Viable Option in Social Science Research in Kenya

Abstract

In this paper, we argue for the qualitative approach as an option of conducting social science research besides the quantitative approach, which is not only dominant but often regarded in Kenya as “the correct way” to do research. We start by identifying an approach as a key aspect of any research design; secondly, we explain the need for consistency between an approach and the paradigm within which a study is conceptualised. Thirdly, we highlight the consistency between the qualitative approach and the relativist-interpretivist/constructivist paradigm in research. We then trace the development of the qualitative approach in the social sciences, particularly in education, highlight the common methods used in qualitative research, the techniques of data generation and data analysis. We expect that this paper will sufficiently highlight qualitative research in the Kenyan context to enable our postgraduate students, and indeed all researchers in the social sciences to read further about its features with a view to adopting the approach to study issues that do not lend themselves to the more prevalent quantitative approach.