Influence of the Research Frame on Qualitatively Derived Health Science Knowledge

Although qualitative researchers generally acknowledge that their theoretical location and methodological orientation will influence the findings of their inquiries, it has been less well understood how the body of knowledge within a substantive field might be shaped by these factors. In this article, the authors draw on insights obtained from their experiences attempting to synthesize qualitative research findings. From that reflective process, they raise questions about the manner in which qualitatively derived knowledge from various orientations can be interpreted and understood.