ABSTRACT
The key message of this chapter is that knowledge generated from research is constructed and the reader should appreciate this both in reading and conducting research. This construction is affected by both the chosen research paradigm as well as the approach to data analysis. Research paradigms and their associated ontological and epistemological stances are explained in relation to the aims of research and therefore the approach taken to conducting it. Also discussed is how the way data is analysed constructs particular findings and therefore conclusions and knowledge about the topic being investigated. Two approaches to analysing the same dataset, Q analysis and inductive thematic analysis, are explained and illustrated with extracts of data from a study on practice teaching in social care. This highlights for the reader the need to consider that the ‘knowledge’ produced by research should not be considered to be neutral, so a critical approach should be taken to all ‘knowledge’ generated from research.
