The object of knowledge in qualitative research: an epistemological matter
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Introduction: Although frequently underestimated, reflexive and interrogative processes needed to develop the research questions in qualitative research can give shape and direction to a study. Good research questions do not necessarily produce a good research study, but badly conceived or elaborated research questions can create problems which will further have impacts on all stages of the study.
Objective: This study addresses the development of research questions and how their generation and refinement processes are fundamental in the conformation of a qualitative study.
Development: Generating relevant and adequate research questions requires the researchers to give attention to the questions and their relations to all the components of the design; in other words, to the objectives, the conceptual framework, the methods used, the possible implications involved, the validity, etcetera. Reflecting on these issues is an useful tool while developing research questions.
Conclusions: In qualitative studies, the ongoing process of questioning is integral to the comprehension of the lives and perspectives of others. So, it is important to emphasize that qualitative research requires the researchers to adopt an epistemological posture by selecting methods and procedures which can support their field work information gathering.
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