Standing at the corner of epistemology ave, theoretical trail, methodology blvd, and methods street the intersections of qualitative research

With qualitative research, judging quality is complex. It is not just a matter of checking that methods are appropriately implemented. Epistemology, or the theory of knowing, gets thrown in the mix. Elements of method are defined in relation to methodology but, more importantly, in the context of specific conceptions of how we come to know. For example, a case conceptualized within case study might be seen as a sample that represents the population or intrinsically interesting in its uniqueness (Stake, 1995). To spice things up even further, the theoretical framework used orients researchers in particular ways so that certain methods are preferred. All these things come together in design and, consequently, in quality judgments.