Theory and Qualitative Research in Psychology

Convenors: Orla Muldoon, University of Belfast & Zazie Todd, University of Leeds

Different qualitative methods, and even different varieties of the same method, have different theoretical underpinnings. Researchers are also increasingly ‘mixing’ methods - qualitative with quantitative, or different qualitative methods, within the same project or even on the same data. This poses interesting questions about how to deal with different epistemologies. Is the variety of theoretical approaches a strength or a weakness in qualitative research? This symposium examines the role of theory in qualitative research in psychology. A series of four papers considers the epistemological underpinnings of different approaches, and the implications for researchers. Can theory unify qualitative methods - or is there strength in diversity? Should we be paying more attention to empirical or theoretical issues? The symposium will consider these and other questions relevant to all qualitative researchers. The discussant, Anna Madill, will comment on the problems and solutions proposed before opening the floor for a no doubt be a lively discussion.

Paper 1 - Robert Elliott
"A generic approach to qualitative research: Beyond brand names"

Paper 2 - Jonathan Potter
"Theory is not the answer"

Paper 3 - Jonathan A Smith
"The theoretical underpinnings of interpretative phenomenological analysis"

Paper 4 - Lucy Yardley
"From ‘mixing methods’ to ‘composite analysis’: pragmatic approaches to methodological triangulation"

Discussant - Anna Madill, University of Leeds