Reacts to Martin's (1995) essay concerning scientism in psychotherapy. Urges placing a moratorium on the "hermeneutic retreat" advocated by Martin, and urges capitalizing on the unique strengths of both positivistic and interpretive modes of inquiry. (JPS)

Calls purely quantitative measures of Hispanic aged mental health insufficiently sensitive to cultural factors. Describes uses and limitations of qualitative methods, especially in-depth interviews and life histories, and suggests that researchers include psychometric tests in interviews to improve data interpretation. Develops Adlerian…

This research investigates the personal meaning that empowerment has for six women in leadership positions who were identified by their peers as empowerers of others, to discover how the women empowered others, and to define the term empowerment. The term was explored as both an intrapersonal and interpersonal process. (JPS)

This commentary praises the clustering technique of data gathering from clients described by Carney (1992). It also cautions that analyzing qualitative data by quantitative means must be done with care, so that a matrix analysis and resulting interpretation of data gathered through the clustering technique, as Carney suggests, is valid and…

Asserts that qualitative research is undervalued and cites evidence of its value, presents a definition of it, discusses how to evaluate the quality of a study, and suggests when and how qualitative findings can be applied to actual situations. Concludes with examples of two actual qualitative studies and two hypothetical situations where the…

An applied clinical research course helped nursing students acquire an understanding of research and its relationship to clinical practice. The course contrasted qualitative and quantitative methods, addressed ethical issues, and involved students in interviewing older adults about health behavior. (SK)

Describes a qualitative investigation utilizing midcareer doctoral students designed to examine what experiences contribute to developing counselor effectiveness. Proposes a cyclical model of counselor development named Becoming Empowered. Process includes recurring themes of experiencing and responding to dissonance, relating to supervision, and…

Describes narrative analysis of college student stories of unwanted sexual attention. Reviews four story types with separate consideration for males and females. Discusses patterns of sexual harassment in residence halls and consequences for residents with particular reference to implications for counseling and recommendations concerning content…

Quantitative research methods produce factual, reliable, and generalizable data. Qualitative methods generate rich, detailed, valid process data. Ways to integrate them include (1) using qualitative methods to develop quantitative instruments; (2) using qualitative methods to explain quantitative findings; (3) using quantitative methods to…

Explores the methodological and ethical considerations, complications, and consequences relative to relationships between researcher and subject in qualitative educational research. Presents a dialogue between the researcher and the subject. (MG)

Discusses the strengths of a qualitative study of the effectiveness of environmental impact statements. Notes that the study explores an ill-defined area and relates writing to the situation in which it occurs. (RS)

Responds to counterpoints to original paper (Moon, Dillon, and Sprenkle, 1990). Describes continuum of social science inquiry paradigms as framework for exploring assumptions underlying respective positions. Addresses key issues raised by respondents and encourages balance in research efforts and continuing dialogue. Restates basic thesis that…

Responds to an article in the same issue of this journal. Explains the apparent "conflicts" between findings of two research studies (with different purposes and methods) of the same classroom. Emphasizes the different natures of qualitative and quantitative research. (SR)

Addresses issues in conducting research on families in different cultures: becoming familiar with the sociocultural context, gaining access to subjects, establishing collaborative relationships with local scholars, and securing translators who can convey meanings accurately. (SK)

Through in-depth interviews with nine adult Jewish nonbelievers, this study explored the onset of their nonbelief and the degree of their spiritual well-being, and compares these results with nine Jewish believers. Findings indicate a need to revise current theories of religious development and also suggest the potential value of counseling…