Introduction
Qualitative approaches in science are commonly used in specific cases where the qualitative data do not entirely represent the subject. The study by Patsiopoulos and Buchanan utilizes narrative research to figure out the role of self-compassion in counselors’ practice. Their choice is based on the question’s nature and the article’s end goal. It is justified in this situation, as other approaches wouldn’t be as successful in creating a solid map of cause-and-effect links.
Approach Evaluation
One of the best features of the qualitative approach is the option to adapt it to the participants. The interviewers can record the answers, including personal opinions and aspects, instead of the average values usually collected in qualitative research. The questions can be modified to help the researched counselors tell their stories in the most expressive and detailed way possible. The gathered materials can then be summarized and distributed into specific categories for later comparison with other answers.
The results of this method provide more information about the individual logical links between the factors and explain these mechanisms in a way that lets the researcher ask more questions that might be beneficial to understanding the studied phenomena. Qualitative methods tend to depersonalize the data and exclude the participants’ perspectives, which is detrimental in such studies. Also, the authors state that the quantitative research basis for this topic is insufficient (Patsiopoulos & Buchanan, 2011). Thus, the qualitative approach is required in the field of discussion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rationale for a narrative approach is justified for this type of research. It provides quality information about the subject that can be compared with other works on this theme. The authors offer arguments for their choice and support them with cohesive and well-structured results that describe a helpful perspective on the topic, which will be utilized as a qualitative basis in further studies.
Reference
Patsiopoulos, A.T., & Buchanan, M.J. (2011) The practice of self-compassion in counseling: A Narrative inquiry. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 42(4), 301-307. Web.