定性调查：“求同法”、“求异法”与“求全法”的不同性质

Qualitative Method:Different Natures of "Common Theme-seeking","Differences-seeking" and "Seeking for a Holistic Approach"

在确定定性调查的分类与性质时,不应该仅仅按照操作方式的不同来进行,而应该确定不同调查方法在"光谱式存在"中的相应位置。"求同法"就是寻找不同对象的相同侧面的共性,用以说明某个主题。它等同于缺乏检验手段的开放式问卷,更加靠近定量调查。"求异法"则是旨在发现同一主题在不同对象中的不同存在的差异性与多样性,更加靠近定性调查。唯有"求全法"才是定性调查的最理想状态,它强调在一个时空情境中深入地了解某个对象。这种对定性调查的性质划分,有利于更加深刻地理解定量调查与定性调查的冲突。

Different research methods should be understood in a spectrum, and be based on different data coIlection procedure. Common theme-seeking is a way to identify the commonality of the subjects under a certain topic. It mimics an open-ended questionnaire that lacks of test. Thus, it is more like a quantitative method. Difference-seeking method, however, aims to explore the diversities among the subjects under a certain topic and more links to qualitative understanding. Comparatively, a holistic approach is regarded as the best way for qualitative study which emphasizes the subject as a whole under certain time-space contexts. Categorizing these three different ways could help to better understand the difference and existing arguments around qualitative and quantitative method.