Meta-analyses of qualitative research methods and philosophies are quite common in the field and serve as good introductions to this diversification of approach. Qualitative research is synonymous with ethnographic and participant observation methods. Qualitative research is polysemous when it comes to method. Much of qualitative research is dominated by research traditions from education, sociology, and anthropology. The researchers from these fields favor such methods as ethnography, participant observation, and naturalistic inquiry.
Qualitative research is conducted from a scientific perspective.
Qualitative research can be conducted from a number of contexts. Much of qualitative research is practiced from a scientific viewpoint. There are many varieties of qualitative research which do not embrace a scientific way of knowing and doing. There is artistic or literary qualitative research which is based upon an artist's way of practice and knowledge production. Qualitative researchers assume a dialogical position of difference with their practice knowledge.