The scientific nature of qualitative inquiry: An unscripted panel discussion

Aspects of the TQR learning community, including the journal, the conference, and the NSU qualitative research graduate certificate provide myriad opportunities for scholars to connect and collaborate. In keeping with the conference theme, the purpose of this panel presentation is to provide an organic demonstration of how we as members of the TQR community learn from each other through a process of personal construction of understanding, followed by social re-construction of our understanding of the same phenomenon. In this session, five participants who met as a result of TQR learning community activities will engage in an unscripted scholarly discussion about the question: “To what extent should qualitative inquiry be scientific?” Prior to the conference session, panel members will independently prepare a brief manuscript, replete with references, to describe their unique responses to the question. Panelists will engage in limited exchange prior to the conference, and incorporate reflections from the exchange into their writing. During the session, all panelists will share their responses with each other, describe what they have learned from each other, consider how this new learning enriches their initial thoughts about the question, and provide session attendees with opportunities to contribute to the conversation.