Historia i kierunki rozwoju badań jakościowych za granicą i ich wymiar rozwojowy

: The purpose of that article is to depict history of qualitative methods. The main research problem undertaken by the authors is the question of how the history of qualitative research abroad is shaped and what implications it may have for research practice in our country. The hermeneutical method was adopted, the study of texts in order to draw further, original conclusions, including further research practice. The first part shows the phases of its development, starting from the period of early classical research, through the period of the formation of original traditions and the period of checking the foundations and paradigm of research, to the period of new systematization of methods, procedures and standards. Such a division is relatively unknown and is a novelty. This makes it valuable. This section provides a detailed overview of the material. The second part contains methodological findings. It shows what qualitative research is in its essence on the basis of the literature on the subject, paying close attention to their characteristic features constituting their unique character. The classification of qualitative methods was presented. The article also emphasizes the role of the researcher of qualitative methods that is significantly different from the role in the case of quantitative methods. The full pictureencourages us to look at the methodological achievements of the qualitative perspective and even deeper appreciate their unique values.