ABSTRACT
Although the methodological considerations that will be discussed in this chapter typically relate to the biographical examination of small populations requiring indepth, qualitative modes of investigation what is not suggested here is that qualitative research is de jure superior to quantitative research. Welljudged quantitative research can yield useful results in situations where a qualitative approach would be simply a waste of time or be impossible to use (Erben, 1996). This said, the mode of disclosure characteristic of biographical research will be more textually replete than that conventionally representative of quantitative procedures. Thus, while numbers of respondents may be small in biographical research, the demands made upon the readers of the research involves a degree of vicarious participation not required in quantitative investigation. The validation of such research (in fact, of any research) is based upon the degree of consensus among those for whom the investigation is thought to be of interest and relevance. The descriptions, organization, conclusions and formulations represented in the research receive their validation by an experienced group of peers who regard the study as significant, worthwhile and in concert with its aims.
