AC 1.1. Evaluate the conceptual foundations, issues and nature of paradigms and approaches to qualitative research

Sample Answer (Do Not Copy)

Task 1

Understand the qualitative paradigm of psychology and qualitative research. 

AC 1.1 Evaluate the conceptual foundations, issues and nature of paradigms and approaches to qualitative research

The qualitative paradigm is closely linked to the work of a health psychologist in a small or medium care organisation because it focuses on how people experience illness, stress and behaviour change in their everyday lives. In this setting, many clients live with long-term conditions and often feel confused, anxious or frustrated. To support them effectively, you need to understand how they interpret their health problems, what motivates them, and what barriers they face. The qualitative paradigm is built on the belief that these personal meanings are central to understanding behaviour.

Qualitative research is usually based on interpretivist and constructivist ideas. These views suggest that reality is not simply a set of fixed facts that can be measured in the same way for everyone. Instead, people give their own meanings to events based on their background, emotions and social environment. For example, in your care organisation two clients with the same diagnosis may respond very differently. One may feel encouraged to make lifestyle changes, while the other may feel defeated and see no reason to try. Qualitative research tries to explore these differences through methods such as interviews, focus groups and observation.

This approach contrasts with the positivist paradigm, which is more common in quantitative research. Positivism assumes that reality can be measured objectively through numbers, tests and controlled methods. While quantitative data is useful for showing patterns, such as how many clients attended a health programme, it cannot explain why some people take part and others avoid support. The qualitative paradigm fills this gap by looking at beliefs, feelings and social interactions, which are crucial when trying to encourage positive health behaviours.

However, there are important issues and limitations within the qualitative paradigm. One central issue is subjectivity. As a health psychologist, you bring your own training, values and assumptions into the research. These may shape how you ask questions and how you interpret clients’ stories. For example, you may naturally favour clients who try to follow advice and feel less patient with those who resist change. Qualitative research expects this and requires reflexivity, where you reflect on your own influence and make your role in the research clear.

Another issue relates to sample size. Qualitative studies in a care SME are likely to involve small groups, such as a few residents, carers or family members. This allows for detailed insight but limits generalisability. Instead of claiming that the findings apply to all care settings, qualitative researchers talk about transferability. This means giving enough detail about the setting and methods so that others working in similar organisations can judge whether the findings are relevant to their own context.

Questions of rigour and trustworthiness also arise. Because qualitative research is interpretive, you must show clearly how you collected and analysed the data, how you identified themes and how you ensured fairness and accuracy. This may include checking your interpretations with participants or colleagues.

Ethical issues are especially important in a care environment. Clients may talk about distressing experiences, and you have a duty of care as both a psychologist and a researcher. You must manage confidentiality, consent and emotional safety carefully. Overall, the qualitative paradigm suits the aims of health psychology in a care SME, but it requires careful reflection, ethical awareness and transparency.