Qualitative cultural psychological methodology and science

pp. 179-230

in: Carl Ratner, Cultural psychology and qualitative methodology, Berlin, Springer, 1997

Abstract

The answer to this question depends on one's definition of science. If science is conceived as recording singular variables that are operationally defined quantities of overt behavior, then qualitative psychological methodology is unscientific. For qualitative methodology deciphers complex psychological quality in networks of extended responses. However, the positivistic conception of science may not be valid. If science follows nonpositivistic canons, then a nonpositivistic qualitative methodology may, in fact, be scientific. To decide this question we must discuss the extent to which positivism represents actual scientific practice. Let us begin by charting the epistemological tenets of positivistic science, which are contrasted to nonscientific epistemological principles.