Naturalistic Inquiry

By Egon G. Guba, Yvonna S. Lincoln, Egon Guba

Book Overview

Showing how science is limited by its dominant mode of investigation, Lincoln and Guba propose an alternative paradigm--a "naturalistic" rather than "rationalistic" method of inquiry--in which the investigator avoids manipulating research outcomes. A "paradigm shift" is under way in many fields, they contend, and go on to describe the different assumptions of the two approaches regarding the nature of reality, subject-object interaction, the possibility of generalization, the concept of causality, and the role of values. The authors also offer guidance for research in the field (where, they say, naturalistic inquiry always takes place). Useful tips are given, for example, on "designing" a study as it unfolds, establishing "trustworthiness," and writing a case report. This book helps researchers "both to understand and to do naturalistic inquiry." Of particular interest to educational researchers, it is valuable for all social scientists involved with questions of qualitative and quantitative methodology.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803924313
• ISBN13: 9780803924314
• Release Date: April 1985
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

5 stars

I had been having an enormous difficulty trying to translate the concepts of validity and reliability for the qualitative section of my dissertation. My chair-person recommended this book and boy...was I ever glad she did. The section on Establishing Trustworthiness is especially well written and gave me a clear understanding of how I wanted that part of my methods section to look.

Naturalistic Inquiry

Lincoln and Guba have written three previous books dealing with research and evaluation in education and the social sciences. This book discusses and explores a paradigm in naturalistic research and evaluation that is not rigid in structure. Lincoln and Guba provide detailed suggestions and a checklist that assist naturalistic researchers in developing credible and trustworthy processes of research. Various methodological stances exist for varying research needs. Lincoln and Guba's book would greatly assist research purposes that require a detailed understanding of a particular setting. This book will interest graduate students, educational researchers, and social scientists struggling with qualitative and quantitative methodologies.