52. Philosophical Roots of Qualitative Research

About this lesson

Welcome to Module 4.2: Qualitative Research Paradigms, where we dive into the philosophical foundations of qualitative research, a vital aspect that shapes how we understand reality, knowledge, and the research process itself in healthcare and social sciences.

In this module, you’ll explore interpretivist roots, discover other foundational paradigms like constructivism, critical theory, feminism, postmodernism, and pragmatism, and contrast them with traditional quantitative research paradigms.

Key Topics Covered

• Interpretivism and socially constructed reality
• The co-creation of meaning between researcher and participant
• Understanding the influence of context and culture on knowledge
• Paradigms like feminism, critical theory, and pragmatism in health research
• Philosophical contrasts: ontology, epistemology, methodology
• Benefits of mixed methods and integrating diverse research traditions

This video is designed for health science students, early-career researchers, or anyone new to qualitative inquiry. Grasp how worldviews shape research designs and enrich your ability to critically engage with both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Perfect For

• Students in public health, nursing, or medicine
• Qualitative research beginners
• Thesis writers or dissertation researchers
• Anyone using mixed methods in health studies

Lesson notes

Full written notes for this lesson are in production. Until they publish, watch the video above and use the summary on this page as your study guide.