Delving into Methodology

This chapter on methodology begins by reviewing the increasing dissent amongst social researchers about close adherence to research method. I then outline my own position on method in this research, drawing on Mats Alvesson’s argument about the need for “reflexive interpretation” in most empirical research (Alvesson & Skoldberg, 2000; Alvesson, 2002). Following this theoretical and reflexive positioning, issues of quality that influenced the research design and choice of methods are described. The design involves an adapted and extended version of Amedeo Giorgi’s methodology, with some influence from Max van Manen.