Qualitative research imagination

In this chapter we will consider what the qualitative research imagination ‘is’—touching on key questions that should be addressed by all researchers regardless of their approach.) In the first part of the chapter we will consider the first two questions focusing on the type of ‘knowledge’ generated by qualitative research and in the second part on questions about the range of approaches that can be taken to data collection, analysis and interpretation, and the role of theory. The rest of this chapter is divided into three parts. First, we discuss the type of knowledge produced by qualitative research. We then discuss the potential for community/public involvement as ‘partners’ in qualitative research and finally consider key methodological issues in the conduct of qualitative research.