MTU Library Catalogue

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Naturalistic inquiry / Yvonna S. Lincoln, Egon G. Guba.

By: Lincoln, Yvonna S.
Contributor(s): Guba, Egon G.
Material type: materialTypeLabelBookPublisher: Beverly Hills, California : Sage Publications, c1985Description: 416 p. : ill. ; 23 cm. + hbk.ISBN: 0803924313; 9780803924314.Subject(s): Naturalism | Research -- Methodology | Science -- PhilosophyDDC classification: 146
Contents:
Postpositivism and the naturalist paradigm -- Is the naturalistic paradigm the genuine article? -- Constructed realities -- The disturbing and disturbed observer -- The only generalization is: there is no generalization -- Is causality a viable concept? -- Is being value-free valuable? -- Doing what comes naturally -- Designing a naturalistic inquiry -- Implementing the naturalistic inquiry -- Establishing trustworthiness -- Processing naturalistically obtained data -- Case reporting, member checking, and auditing.
Summary: Naturalistic Inquiry provides social scientists with a basic but comprehensive rationale for non-positivistic approaches to research. It confronts the basic premise underlying the scientific tradition that all questions can be answered by employing empirical, testable, replicable research techniques. The authors maintain that there are scientific \'facts\' that existing paradigms cannot explain, and argue against traditional positivistic inquiry. They suggest an alternative approach supporting the use of the \'naturalistic\' paradigm.
Holdings
Item type Current library Call number Copy number Status Barcode
General lending MTU Bishopstown Library Lending 146 (Browse shelf(Opens below)) 1 Available 00162843
Total holds: 0

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

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.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 393-408) and index.

Postpositivism and the naturalist paradigm -- Is the naturalistic paradigm the genuine article? -- Constructed realities -- The disturbing and disturbed observer -- The only generalization is: there is no generalization -- Is causality a viable concept? -- Is being value-free valuable? -- Doing what comes naturally -- Designing a naturalistic inquiry -- Implementing the naturalistic inquiry -- Establishing trustworthiness -- Processing naturalistically obtained data -- Case reporting, member checking, and auditing.

Naturalistic Inquiry provides social scientists with a basic but comprehensive rationale for non-positivistic approaches to research. It confronts the basic premise underlying the scientific tradition that all questions can be answered by employing empirical, testable, replicable research techniques. The authors maintain that there are scientific \'facts\' that existing paradigms cannot explain, and argue against traditional positivistic inquiry. They suggest an alternative approach supporting the use of the \'naturalistic\' paradigm.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

  • Post-Positivism and the Naturalistic Paradigm
  • Is the Naturalistic Paradigm the Genuine Article?
  • Constructed Realities
  • The Disturbing and Disturbed Observer
  • The Only Generalization is
  • There is no Generalization
  • Is Causality a Viable Concept?
  • Is Being Value-Free Valuable?
  • Doing What Comes Naturally
  • Designing a Naturalistic Inquiry
  • Implementing the Naturalistic Inquiry
  • Establishing Trustworthiness
  • Processing Naturalistically-Obtained Data
  • Case Reporting, Member Checking, and Auditing

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Guba (Indiana University) and Lincoln (University of Kansas) have collaborated on three previous books dealing with research and evaluation in education and the social sciences. This book explores an emerging new paradigm for research that is neither manipulative nor rigid in its preconceived notions. The authors want to help the reader understand and engage in this more flexible type of research; this paradigm they label naturalistic, a model opposed to the dominant positivistic model of science. Guba and Lincoln critique the myths and distortions of the dominant model; they also explore alternative views of reality, causality, subject object interaction, and the role of values. The authors provide detailed suggestions as well as a checklist for research that will be credible as well as trustworthy. This book will interest graduate students and educational researchers as well as social scientists struggling with qualitative and quantitative methodologies. A breath of fresh air to those who have grown weary of quantitative hegemony and positivistic dogma.-W.G. Watts, Jackson State University

Author notes provided by Syndetics

She is a Professor in the Department of Educational Administration at Texas A&M University. She has taught at the University of Kansas and Vanderbilt University. She has received numerous awards.

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