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Cited by 79Qualitative Research Methods and ApplicationsContemporary Sociological Theory and PracticeQualitative Research Methods and Ethics

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Naturalistic Inquiry in Theory and Practice

Athens, Lonnie·2010·Journal of Contemporary Ethnography
DOI 10.1177/0891241609343663
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Abstract

Herbert Blumer sought to develop “naturalistic inquiry” to provide sociologists, especially those who subscribe to the perspective known as “symbolic interactionism,” with an alternative methodology to positivism for them to use in their research. Since Blumer died before he could complete the job, an attempt is made to finish the work that he left undone on the method of naturalistic inquiry along the lines originally envisioned by him. Among other things, more details are provided to help researchers to carry out the two stages of naturalistic inquiry that he identified: “exploration” and “inspection.” A third stage, confirmation, is also added to the method. Although Blumer described naturalistic inquiry only in theory, it is described here both in theory and actual practice, which is essential to make the method more understandable to others. In addition to providing a more complete statement of naturalistic inquiry, the ideas that he drew on to develop the method are revealed. Several myths surrounding the method and the grounded theories that can be potentially developed from using it are also exposed. Finally, the case is made that naturalistic inquiry occupies a relatively unique position in the social sciences.

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Cited by

  • Untitled work

    Oloo, J. A., & Relland, M. (2021) · Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy

Metadata

Authors
Athens, L.
Affiliations
Seton Hall University (US)
Corresponding author
Athens, Lonnie
ORCID
Athens, Lonnie
Venue
Journal of Contemporary Ethnography
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2010-02
Volume
39
Issue
1
Pages
87-125
ISSN
  • 0098-3039 (ISSN-L)
  • 0891-2416
  • 1552-5414
DOI
10.1177/0891241609343663
OpenAlex
W2150605695
Cited by
79
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 9 · 2018: 1 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 3 · 2013: 7 · 2012: 3
FWCI
21.15
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
Journal of Contemporary Ethnography (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Qualitative Research Methods and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Contemporary Sociological Theory and Practice
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
Keywords
naturalistic inquiry, Herbert Blumer, symbolic interactionism, positivism, grounded theory, qualitative research methodology, ethnography

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