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.
In our culture, knowledge produced from a practice of research, qualitative or quantitative, is usually placed above awareness derived from a practice of practitioners as in the case of educators reflecting on their teaching or therapists re-searching their work in the clinic. Some researchers, qualitative and quantitative, realize that researchers can take their place along side other practitioners and engage in dialogue towards a creation of a community of knowing and not knowing. Qualitative researchers attempt to create new method forms for their studies. Other qualitative researchers feel that particularities of each research project are so unique that they require a distinctive method for every study. Qualitative researchers' analyses also focus on ranges and serendipities in the data.