A qualitative descriptive approach is possibly the least theoretical of the qualitative approaches (Neergaard at el., 2009) in that it can be conducted such studies with the least burdened by pre-existing theoretical and philosophical commitments (Sandelowski, 2000). In relation to this I am wondering whether I need a theory when using Qualitative Descriptive Research as a design for a study?
Dear De Silva,
Yes, when using qualitative descriptive research as a design for post graduate level research study a theoretical perspective is needed. As I see it, if a qualitative or even quantity research is not theoretically informed, then it risks being, say, blind. And blind research leads us nowhere. It is often said that if we want to get ahead in any domain of knowledge we have to have a theory, or even a metatheory. Once, Critic Robert Horgan (1998) astutely remarked that all the empiricism in the world cannot salvage an uncler idea. And, as you certainly recognize, an experiment run in atmosphere of conceptual or theoretical confusion, rarely, if ever, clarifies anything. So, a research not theretically focused risks being pure empiricism. We can even say that empirical findings and data only gain sense when they are theoretically grounded.
As a matter of fact, while doing reseach we need facts and theory. As the German philospher Immanuel Kant once remarked in his Critique of Pure Reason. "[empirical] intuitions without concepts are blind and concepts without [empirical] intuitions are empty.
KInd regards.
Thank you for your feedback and the answers. I do agree with you to have a theoretical perspective for a research study. However my special reference is with the qualitative description. Just to describe some experiences or feelings in natural, do we always need a theory?
I agree with it when it comes to grounded theory, phenomenology as well as ethnography. These design rooted with huge theoretical backgrounds and need theoretical perspective.
I reviewed some literature and most of the researchers highlighted that descriptive studies might not need theory or least theoretical background may needed. That's why I also wondering whether it definitely needed.
QD research overall has not been presented within theoretical frameworks according to systematic reviews in the area.
Article Characteristics of Qualitative Descriptive Studies: A System...
However, as in the design, analysis and discussion stages, having a theory will always provide better grounding than merely providing a 'description' of the results/data. The most important fact in conducting a qualitative analysis is that the researcher can explore the 'meanings' behind the descriptions and the words, phrases provided by the participants to either build a theory etc.
So, as a researcher if you can justify that the aim was to 'merely explore'' the descriptive nature of a phenomenon without the restrictions of a framework or theory and identifying the facts as it is, then using QD could be justified. But as mentioned by many, the need to provide good justification and details of the design is recommended.
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