Theory in qualitative research: a qualitative study of research experts’ views

BACKGROUND: There are long-standing debates about the relationship between theory and qualitative research and how the two are connected. While some researchers argue that theory in qualitative research is often superficial and poorly reported, others have highlighted inconsistencies in the application of theory in qualitative research, with it frequently being absent. We had previously developed a typology (known as QUANTUM) in discussing these issues, and wanted to use this as a springboard from which to engage in further debate. METHODS: We engaged with an international panel of 14 qualitative research experts to elicit their views on the place of theory in qualitative research. In a two-stage process, the expert panel provided written comments on the QUANTUM typology and then took part in an interactive, online workshop. Data generated from both stages were analysed thematically. An adapted version of the ‘Five Ways of Knowing’ was used as the theoretical framework for structuring the inductively derived thematic findings in a post-hoc fashion. RESULTS: The analysis led to the conceptualisation of five themes that were organised according to the components of the ‘Five Ways of Knowing’, namely: (1) Defining Theory; (2) Working with Theory; (3) Positioning Theory; (4) Researchers’ Underlying Epistemological Assumptions; and (5) Problematising Theory. CONCLUSIONS: The themes are discussed against the backdrop of current literature on the topic, capturing the complexity of theory in qualitative research. The input received from the experts facilitated the development of the revised QUANTUM typology, which provides a reflexive aide for the conduct and reporting of theory in qualitative research.