QUALITATIVE INQUIRY

Scope & Guideline

Uncovering Rich Narratives in Qualitative Research

Introduction

Welcome to the QUALITATIVE INQUIRY information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of QUALITATIVE INQUIRY, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1077-8004
PublisherSAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1995 to 2024
AbbreviationQUAL INQ / Qual. Inq.
Frequency10 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2455 TELLER RD, THOUSAND OAKS, CA 91320

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Qualitative Inquiry' serves as a platform dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of qualitative research methodologies across various disciplines. It promotes innovative approaches to understanding complex social phenomena through qualitative lenses, emphasizing the importance of context and the subjective experiences of individuals.
  1. Qualitative Methodologies:
    The journal focuses on a diverse range of qualitative research methods, including but not limited to ethnography, narrative inquiry, grounded theory, and phenomenology. It encourages researchers to explore and refine these methodologies to address complex research questions.
  2. Interdisciplinary Perspectives:
    'Qualitative Inquiry' promotes interdisciplinary research, drawing insights from fields such as sociology, psychology, education, and health sciences. This broad scope enhances the richness of qualitative inquiry by integrating various theoretical frameworks and practices.
  3. Critical Reflexivity:
    A core aim of the journal is to encourage critical reflexivity among researchers, urging them to reflect on their positionality, biases, and the implications of their research practices. This emphasis on reflexivity contributes to the ethical considerations of qualitative research.
  4. Social Justice and Advocacy:
    The journal highlights the role of qualitative research in promoting social justice and advocacy. It seeks to publish work that addresses issues of power, inequality, and marginalized voices, fostering a commitment to research that can effect positive social change.
In recent years, 'Qualitative Inquiry' has witnessed the emergence of several new themes and trends that reflect the evolving landscape of qualitative research. These trends indicate a shift towards more nuanced, collaborative, and contextually aware approaches to inquiry.
  1. Digital and Online Research Methods:
    With the rise of digital technologies, there is an increasing focus on qualitative research methods that explore online interactions, social media, and digital ethnography. This trend highlights the importance of understanding human behavior in digital contexts.
  2. Collaborative and Participatory Approaches:
    Emerging themes indicate a growing interest in collaborative and participatory research methodologies, where researchers engage with participants as co-researchers. This approach fosters empowerment and inclusivity in the research process.
  3. Intersectionality and Diversity:
    Recent publications reflect a heightened awareness of intersectionality and the diverse experiences of individuals across different social identities. This trend emphasizes the need for qualitative research that captures the complexities of lived experiences in a multicultural society.
  4. Health and Wellbeing Research:
    There is a notable increase in qualitative research focused on health and wellbeing, particularly in understanding patient experiences, healthcare practices, and the social determinants of health. This theme is particularly relevant in light of global health challenges.

Declining or Waning

While 'Qualitative Inquiry' has consistently championed various themes within qualitative research, certain areas have begun to see a decline in focus over recent years. This shift may reflect broader changes in research priorities or methodologies within the field.
  1. Traditional Qualitative Approaches:
    There has been a noticeable decrease in publications focusing solely on traditional qualitative methods, such as basic case studies or simple descriptive analyses. As the field evolves, researchers are increasingly seeking innovative and hybrid methodologies that combine qualitative and quantitative approaches.
  2. Overemphasis on Methodological Rigor:
    In earlier years, there was a strong emphasis on the rigor and reliability of qualitative methodologies. However, recent trends suggest a waning focus on rigid methodological frameworks, with a growing recognition that qualitative research is inherently subjective and context-dependent.
  3. Static Theoretical Frameworks:
    Research that relies heavily on static or well-established theoretical frameworks is becoming less common. Scholars are now favoring more dynamic and flexible theoretical approaches that can adapt to the complexities of contemporary social issues.

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