理解质性研究——基于历史和比较的视角

Understanding Qualitative Research——From Historical and Comparative Perspectives

质性研究方法与教育研究有着天然的亲和性。但学界对于什么是质性研究,它具有什么基本特征,应用时遵循什么基本解释逻辑等问题并没有形成恰当理解。利用"制度化"概念,本文对质性研究的历史进行了分析,并将其与定量研究进行了横向比较,在此基础上将质性研究界定为:研究者在对自身参与保持反思之下对特定情境进行系统的意义探究,并指出它具有多样性,重视情境、研究关系和意义探寻,以及遵循个案式解释逻辑的基本特征。本文认为具备这样特征的质性研究将有助于探究教育事实,促进对教育变革意义的正确认识和理解。

Qualitative research method has a natural affinity with educational research. But for questions such as： what is qualitative research,what are its basic characteristics and what is the basic interpretation logic to follow in application,there is still a lack of appropriate understanding in academic circles. Using the concept of institutionalization,this paper first makes an analysis of the history of qualitative research and a comparison between qualitative and quantitative researches. Then it defines qualitative research as a systematic inquiry into the meaning of specific situation conducted by researchers while keeping reflections on their participation. It also points out that the basic characteristics of qualitative researches lie in diversity,attaching importance to situation,exploring relationship and significance,and following the interpretation logic of cases. It holds that qualitative research with these characteristics will contribute to the exploration of educational facts and a correct understanding of the significance of educational reform.