Chapter 1: Introduction

Carla Willig & Wendy Stainton-Rogers

Introduction Until recently, qualitative research methods occupied a contested space on the margins of mainstream psychology. We are now witnessing a process of incorporation and expansion. In the UK at least, qualitative approaches to psychological research are increasingly being integrated into the mainstream. The British Psychological Society now rules that for a degree programme to be accredited, qualitative methods must be taught. UK funding bodies (such as the Economic and Social Research Council) are now starting to favour research proposals which use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. UK Government sponsored bodies (such as NICE – the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) that make recommendations on ‘evidence based practice’ are beginning to open up their reviews to qualitative as well as quantitative studies in areas such as health psychology. Equally qualitative research in psychology is growing. Both undergraduate and higher degree students are increasingly opting for qualitative ...

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