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Cooperation and Conflict in Qualitative Research: A Dialectical Approach to Knowledge Production

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: enosh{at}research.haifa.ac.il.

	Abstract

Our goal with this article is to present a dialectical approach to examining the interaction between researchers and research participants. A dialectical approach maintains that an apparent contradiction at one level might, in fact, be integrated as a synthesis of the two opposing poles at a higher level of conceptual analysis. We claim that a research approach advocating either pole might limit understanding of the complexity of the phenomenon in question. The interaction between researchers and research participants might be conceived of as creating a continuum ranging from cooperation to conflict. We adopt a dialectical perspective, and propose a whole spectrum of interactive styles between cooperation and conflict. Although some of these interactions might be perceived as a hindrance to knowledge production, we treat them as opportunities for the production of knowledge and the enhancement of interests of the study's target population.

First published on September 23, 2009
Qualitative Health Research 2009, doi:10.1177/1049732309348503


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