The intersection between logical empiricism and qualitative nursing research: a post-structuralist analysis

ABSTRACT

Purpose

To shed light on and analyse the intersection between logical empiricism and qualitative nursing research, and to emphasize a post-structuralist critique to traditional methodological constraints.

Methods

In this study, a critical examination is conducted through a post-structuralist lens, evaluating entrenched methodologies within nursing research. This approach facilitates a nuanced exploration of the intersection between logical empiricism and qualitative nursing research, challenging traditional methodological paradigms.

Results

The article focusing on the “what abouts” of sample size, analytic framework, data source, data analysis, and rigour and methodological considerations, challenging the predominance of semi-structured interviews and the reliance on spoken voice as primary data sources, and re-evaluating the conventional notion of “rigour”.

Conclusions

I advocate for a shift from qualitative positivism towards more interpretive and post-qualitative inquiries, this work proposes new trajectories through interpretive, critical, post-qualitative, and artistic turns in nursing research, aiming to transcend positivist limitations and foster a plurality of perspectives and research as praxis. Implications emphasize the need for nursing researchers to expand methodological horizons, incorporating visual and artistic methods to enrich understanding and representation of health experiences, moving beyond positivist norms towards a more inclusive and ethically sound research paradigm.

KEYWORDS:

• Epistemology
• logical empiricism
• methodology
• nursing research
• ontology
• postmodernism
• qualitative research
• research design
• social constructivism

Authorships

Martin Salzmann-Erikson is the only author of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Writing assistance

Use of AI assistance: During the preparation of this work, the author employed the service of ChatGPT September 25 Version, to scrutinize grammar and spelling, and to rephrase sentences for enhanced clarity, like the functions previously performed by a human language editor, given the author non-native English language background. Following the utilization of this service, the author meticulously reviewed and amended the content as necessary and assume full responsibility for the content of the publication. No analyses were formulated with the aid of artificial intelligence.

Research ethics and patient consent

This research does not involve human participants.

Use of AI assistance

During the preparation of this work, the author employed the service of ChatGPT September 25 Version, to scrutinize grammar and spelling, and to rephrase sentences for enhanced clarity, like the functions previously performed by a human language editor, given the author non-native English language background. Following the utilization of this service, the author meticulously reviewed and amended the content as necessary and assume full responsibility for the content of the publication. No analyses were formulated with the aid of artificial intelligence.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Martin Salzmann-Erikson

Martin Salzmann-Erikson, R.N., Ph.D., Associate Professor in Nursing Science, a senior lecturer, and a Qualified Teacher and at the Department of Caring Sciences, University of Gävle. He has published about 80 peer-reviewed articles and supervise several doctoral students. He has extensive clinical experience in acute psychiatric care.