ABSTRACT
Chapter 1: Introduction to Qualitative Inquiry provided a catalog of concepts often used in and to describe qualitative inquiry. Chapter 2: Foundations of Qualitative Inquiry takes a step back and outlines the foundations or underpinnings of qualitative inquiry. It begins with a critique of conventional Western science, and then outlines and illustrates how the concepts of research paradigm, ontology, epistemology, and axiology intersect to position or situate the researcher and provide a “lens” for conducting an inquiry. Some time is then spent sorting out theory by distinguishing between theoretical orientation/meta-theory, formal theory, and substantive theory, and the terms concept and construct. At the end of the chapter, you will find tables summarizing some of the main theoretical orientations guiding qualitative inquiry. As you read, you may feel like you are sinking in a sea of new terminology. Do not agonize. While this chapter is undoubtedly the most unwieldy and overwhelming for the newcomer to qualitative inquiry, it can also be your life raft; the more you think and read about these concepts, the more afloat you will feel. In Exercise 2.1: Thinking with a Theoretical Orientation, you will be guided through some questions that will introduce you to thinking with theory; that is, a theoretical orientation or meta-theory.
