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An exploration of methodological pluralism in nursing research
Author(s) -
Baker Chris,
Norton Sally,
Young Patricia,
Ward Sandra
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
research in nursing and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1098-240X
pISSN - 0160-6891
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-240x(199812)21:6<545::aid-nur8>3.0.co;2-8
Subject(s) - epistemology , pluralism (philosophy) , sociology , participatory action research , nursing research , nursing theory , citizen journalism , action (physics) , engineering ethics , medline , nursing , medicine , philosophy , political science , anthropology , law , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
The purpose of this article is to describe some important differences in methodological perspectives within the discipline of nursing. Four research traditions (empiric analytic, grounded theory, Heideggerian hermeneutic, and participatory action research) and the philosophical assumptions that inform them are presented. The discussion touches on criticisms that arise from within and from outside each tradition, as well as how each addresses the usefulness of research. Finally, ways in which specialized language is simultaneously necessary and problematic in advancing scholarly debate are illuminated. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Res Nurs Health 21:545–555, 1998