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Logical analysis as a qualitative method II: Conflict of ideas and the topic of illness
Author(s) -
Williams R. G. A.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
sociology of health and illness
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.146
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1467-9566
pISSN - 0141-9889
DOI - 10.1111/1467-9566.ep11343880
Subject(s) - logical analysis , logical conjunction , logical reasoning , epistemology , qualitative analysis , contrast (vision) , computer science , qualitative research , statistical analysis , logical consequence , logical data model , deductive reasoning , logical framework , management science , psychology , sociology , artificial intelligence , mathematics , social science , philosophy , data modeling , mathematical statistics , statistics , database , economics , programming language
In the previous paper, a qualitative method was demonstrated which was based on logical analysis, and illustrated on themes arising in ill‐ness and old age. The emphasis was on revealing the deductions of informants, not on propounding a deductive theory about them. In the present paper general issues arising from the previous demonstration are considered. On issues of explanation and research design logical analysis is compared with statistical analysis. Then a crucial explanatory issue, concerning the person who combines conflicting ways of thinking, is worked through on a case study. Finally, the conclusions make further suggestions about the topics amenable to logical analysis, the contrast between logical and statistical explanation, the research methods appropriate to logical understanding, and the practical uses of the method.