2016 Volume 57 Issue 3 Pages 1-14
Qualitative research can incorporate the diversity of events, and it is easy to use in the area of social work. But a “description of subjectivity” or a “lack of generality” in qualitative research is often pointed out, so that it may not be considered as scientific research. Therefore, for the scientific practice of social work, it is necessary to consider the science of qualitative research. In this study, the author tries to ensure the science of social work practice, through ensuring the science of the qualitative research by using structural-constructivism as a basis. Structural-constructivism is one theory within epistemology that has spread recently in medical and welfare research areas. In accordance with the theory, the author investigated the Modified-Grounded Theory Approach (M-GTA) and the KJ method as a scientific act. As a specific methodology, the analysis worksheet of M-GTA was customized in order to disclose the trajectory of thinking that leads to the structure. The author also considered a few cases that cannot be statistically generalized. Finally, the way of practice using the findings by qualitative research was discussed through an example in social work practice.
