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Rethinking Research Dichotomies
Author(s) -
Christensen Donna Hendrickson,
Dahl Carla M.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
family and consumer sciences research journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.372
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1552-3934
pISSN - 1077-727X
DOI - 10.1177/1077727x970253002
Subject(s) - dichotomy , conceptualization , subjectivity , epistemology , objectivity (philosophy) , limiting , process (computing) , sociology , insider , metatheory , qualitative research , engineering ethics , computer science , social science , philosophy , engineering , mechanical engineering , artificial intelligence , operating system
Much discussion concerning the research process has been conceptualized as either/or representations of complex issues. Research abstractions of insider/outsider perspectives, objectivity/subjectivity, and quantitative/qualitative methods have been unnecessarily dichotomized in the process. Pronouncements of absolutes and construction of hierarchies of methods have resulted, limiting both the kinds of questions that can be asked and the kinds of answers that can be found. The authors argue that dichotomies in family research do not exist and that by conceptualizing research abstractions as points on continua, a more flexible conceptualization of these methodological issues will result. This, in turn, will serve to increase the understanding offamilies andfamily process.