Some thoughts on qualitative research in psychology in Europe

ABSTRACT

This short commentary reflects upon some of the current debates about qualitative methods within European psychology. It notes that the rebirth of qualitative methods towards the end of the twentieth century often coupled an epistemological challenge to the quantitative orthodoxy within psychology with a political challenge to social injustice. However, more recently there have been tensions imposed by the increasing state and institutional surveillance of research. Qualitative researchers need to reflect upon these wider pressures if they are to retain their original critical impulse.

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Notes on contributors

Michael Murray

Michael Murray is Emeritus Professor of Social & Health Psychology at Keele University, UK. Prior to that he held posts at other universities in the UK and Canada. He has published extensively on social psychological aspects of health and illness and on narrative psychology. He is an Honorary Fellow of the British Psychological Society and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.