Dr Sumant writes- Introduction- The writer wishes to clarify at the outset that the
qualitative and quantitative
approaches to
health research should be taken as complementary and that none singularly is self sufficient to serve the goals of presenting conclusions for effective prevention/health promotion. Relative features of
different epistemological approaches should be taken to avoid sticking to one single method of either qualitative or quantitative
Approach in research or health promotion/preventive medicine and not to rigorously stick to either route. *Features - Features Desciption Why this makes it unsuited for qualitative. 1.Empiricism Using methods to study only observable phenomenon The basic beliefs, emotions and ideas of
subjects may not be clearly observable.The goal of qualitative research paradigm is to provide a research methodology for ‘… understanding the complex world of lived experiences from the point of view of those who live ir.’
2.Unity of method The idea that when mature all sciences will share same methods of enquiry We know little about human behaviour and how it will impact our understanding of interpretation of ailments. For example, the pain as a symptom is a subjective phenomenon and may be perceived as different grades though caused by same level of physical ailment in different subjects.Previous sensitization also affects the interpretation of level of pain on a sunburnt back caused by simple shower of water may be different if sunburning is absent. 3.Value –free enquiry Science is held to be separate from society, as objective ,rational and neutral The knowledge derived from qualitative approach is bound up with emotional, subjective or political viewpoints, and not true for all times and places. 4.Naturalism The concept that the disease is to be studied in its natural context This is a key feature of qualitative approach and is not always followed in positivistic approach. 5.A focus on meaning and understanding The conceptuality of patients about disease- that is the key to how the participants understand the world Qualitative approach is not what people have got wrong but what the underlying rationality of their behaviour is 6.Flexible research strategy The research can be adapted as early data are produced This is as opposed to positivistic approach of epidemiological surveys where most of the research is planned beforehand Critiques of positivism- 1.Interpretive approaches-Human beings are complex, unpredictable and reflect on their behavior.There fore the methods and aims of positivism are unlikely to be useful for studying behaviors of people. 2.Social constructionism-Reality is held to be socially constructed.How we divide the world is the result of social, historical and political processes.So rarely there is a ptre-existing reality waiting to be discovered as in positivistic approach. 3.Critical approaches-Science shoulod not stand outside society, but should acknowledge that it is inextricably bound up with social order and be striving to improve social oreder by continuous critical enquiry. Examples- 1.Streams of medicine- The concept of health in allopathy is ‘absence of disease’ ar ‘complete physical, mental and social well-being’. Both the concepts involve a bit of speculation as to what ideation and reflection the subjects will have of disease or its absence or the concept of ‘well-being’. Ayurveda defines health as a state in which one is ‘not conscious of oneself’<-the state of “VIDEH”>.The latter is also a subjective experience. 2.Classifications of some ailments-The research aimed at classification of , say, Lymphomas’ will have to reflect on patients’ response to the disease. Therefore the classifications that are purely histological or immunological are less useful then those based on clinical grading.Same with sub
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