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Positivity in qualitative research: examples from the organized field of postmodernism/poststructuralism

University of Florida, USA, koro-ljungberg{at}coe.ufl.edu

This article emphasizes the essential role of positivity, an organized field of knowledge, in qualitative research and how positivity enables and limits qualitative data, design, and research process. First, I describe some possible objects and subjects of knowing in qualitative research and discuss potential conditions of postmodernist/poststructuralist qualitative research. I then illustrate how different systems (such as language and power) within the organized field of postmodernism/poststructuralism regulate approaches to qualitative research and possible methodological functions available to researchers. Throughout the article, I make reference to my own research process focusing on the studies of academic achievement and 'scientific giftedness' to produce an article that blends subjective, empirical, and theoretical ways of knowing.

Key Words: positivity • postmodernism • poststructuralism • qualitative research • scientific giftedness

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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Google Scholar Articles by Koro-Ljungberg, M. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?