ABSTRACT
Proponents of qualitative research are unhappy about the traditional approach of positivist science. They advocate a holistic approach in preference to reductionism, and a move from reliance on the experiment, to techniques such as action research, case studies, in-depth interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and discourse analysis. They also argue that positivism cannot reach the richness and depth of human experience and that what is needed is a shift in focus from research in the laboratory to research in the real world.
