Outcroppings
Many qualitative researchers operate on an assumption that the empirical evidence they gather is related to both their theoretical ideas and structures beneath observable reality. The relationship, modeled in Figure 16.5 suggests that a researcher’s data from the observable, surface reality are only samples of what happens on the visible, surface level. The researcher uses the data to generate and evaluate theories and generalizations. At the same time, he assumes that beneath the outer surface of reality lie deeper social structures or relationships.
The surface reality that we see only partially reflects what goes on unseen, beneath the surface. Events on the surface are outcroppings, to use a term from geology (see Fetterman, 1989:68). In geology, an outcropping is the part of bedrock that is exposed on the surface for people to see. It is the outward manifestation of central, solid features of the land. Geologists study outcroppings to get clues about what lies beneath the surface.
There are many things we cannot directly observe in the social world. We cannot observe a deep loving relationship between two people. We can see its outward manifestation in a kiss, specific deeds of affection, and acts of kindness. Likewise, we cannot directly observe a social structure such as social class. We can see its outward signs in differences in how people act, their career assumptions, their material possessions, and so forth. Sometimes, we are misled by outward observation. Researchers use qualitative data analysis to examine and organize the observable data so that their ideas and theories about the social world reflect not only the surface level of reality but, more important, the deeper structures and forces that may lie unseen beneath the surface.
Outcroppings
Many qualitative researchers operate on an assumption that the empirical evidence they gather is related to both their theoretical ideas and structures beneath observable reality. The relationship, modeled in Figure 16.5 suggests that a researcher’s data from the observable, surface reality are only samples of what happens on the visible, surface level. The researcher uses the data to generate and evaluate theories and generalizations. At the same time, he assumes that beneath the outer surface of reality lie deeper social structures or relationships.
The surface reality that we see only partially reflects what goes on unseen, beneath the surface. Events on the surface are outcroppings, to use a term from geology (see Fetterman, 1989:68). In geology, an outcropping is the part of bedrock that is exposed on the surface for people to see. It is the outward manifestation of central, solid features of the land. Geologists study outcroppings to get clues about what lies beneath the surface.
There are many things we cannot directly observe in the social world. We cannot observe a deep loving relationship between two people. We can see its outward manifestation in a kiss, specific deeds of affection, and acts of kindness. Likewise, we cannot directly observe a social structure such as social class. We can see its outward signs in differences in how people act, their career assumptions, their material possessions, and so forth. Sometimes, we are misled by outward observation. Researchers use qualitative data analysis to examine and organize the observable data so that their ideas and theories about the social world reflect not only the surface level of reality but, more important, the deeper structures and forces that may lie unseen beneath the surface.
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