Qualitative research is not a paradigm

The papers by Jackson (see record 2015-35231-004) and by Landrum and Garza (see record 2015-35231-005) consider the challenges of combining quantitative and qualitative research. While Jackson focuses on understanding the resistance to qualitative research and its lack of parity with quantitative research in psychology, Landrum and Garza’s starting point is the increasing ubiquity of qualitative research and of mixed method designs. However, central to the argument of both papers is that qualitative research is a particular kind of “thing.” This is a position with which Madill is in fundamental disagreement. Although each paper offers a careful articulation and sophisticated consideration of issues central to their respective concerns, many of these follow from the understanding of qualitative research as a paradigm so it is on this that Madill will focus in her commentary.